How do you see hidden files?

Show hidden files and folders by enabling the setting in the Folder Options Control Panel window. The Folder Options window can be accessed on all Windows computers running Windows 2000 or later by typing "control folders" in the Run window.

1. Open a Run window

   While holding the windows key, hit the R button. This should cause a window labeled Run to appear.

2. Open the Folder Options window

   Clear the text entry field in the Run window and type "control folders" (without the quotation marks). Hit the Enter key or click the OK button to open the Folder Options Control Panel window.

3. Go to the View tab

   At the top of the Folder Options window, there is a tab labeled View. Click it to reveal the various settings that control how files and folders appear on Windows Explorer.

4. Enable the Show hidden files and folders setting

   Under Advanced settings, look for Show hidden files and folders or Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Click the circle beside it. The circle is filled to signify that the setting is enabled.

5. Apply the setting change

   Click the OK button at the bottom of the Folder Options window to apply the setting change. Hidden files and folders are now visible. They appear with translucent icons when viewed on Windows Explorer.