To show hidden files in Windows 10, open File Explorer, select the View tab, and check Hidden items. To hide a file or folder, right-click it, select Properties, check Hidden, and select OK.
Hiding keeps files out of sight, but it doesn’t protect them. Anyone can show hidden items again.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked on September 25, 2026.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Select the View tab.
- Check Hidden items.
Hidden items now appear faded. Uncheck Hidden items to hide them again.
To see protected system files too, select View > Options > View tab and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). Turn it back on when you’re done.
Hide a file or folder
- Right-click the file or folder and select Properties.
- On the General tab, check Hidden.
- Select OK. For a folder, choose Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files.
If Hidden items is on, the item still shows but looks faded. Turn Hidden items off to hide it from view.
You can also select items and use View > Hide selected items.
Unhide a file or folder
- Turn on Hidden items so you can see it.
- Right-click the item, select Properties, and uncheck Hidden.
- Select OK.
Use Command Prompt for stubborn files
If the Hidden box is grayed out, the file is also marked as a system file. Open Command Prompt and run:
- Hide:
attrib +h "C:\Path\To\Folder" - Unhide:
attrib -h -s "C:\Path\To\Folder"
Only remove the system attribute from files you created. Windows system files should stay hidden.
With Hidden items on, use the search box in File Explorer to find a file by name. Common hidden folders include AppData in your user folder and ProgramData on drive C. See how to open the AppData folder in Windows 10.
Hiding isn’t the same as protecting
Hidden files can be seen by anyone who turns on Hidden items. To keep a folder private, use encryption. See how to password protect a folder in Windows 10.
- Control Panel: open Control Panel, select Appearance and Personalization > File Explorer Options, open the View tab, and under Hidden files and folders select Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Select OK.
- Run box: press Windows + R, type
control folders, and press Enter to open the same File Explorer Options window directly. - Registry: the setting is stored as the
Hiddenvalue underHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. A value of 1 shows hidden items and 2 hides them.ShowSuperHiddenset to 1 also shows protected system files. The View tab checkbox changes the same value, so it’s the easier choice.
These settings apply to every File Explorer window for your account, not just the folder you’re in. Other people who sign in to the PC have their own setting.
To peek at hidden files in one folder without turning on Hidden items, open Command Prompt in that folder and run dir /a. To list only the hidden ones, use dir /a:h. In PowerShell, use Get-ChildItem -Force. Both list every file, including hidden and system files, and change nothing.
- The setting keeps switching back. Malware sometimes hides files and turns this option off again. Run a full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- The option is grayed out. On a work or school PC, your organization may control it. On a home PC, that’s another sign of malware; scan the PC.
- You still can’t see the file. It may also be a protected system file. See the Command Prompt section above, or check that you’re looking in the right folder with the search box.
- File Explorer doesn’t update. Press F5 to refresh, or restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I see a folder I just hid?
That’s working as intended. Turn on Hidden items in the View tab to see it.
Why did files suddenly become hidden?
Malware on a USB drive sometimes hides files and replaces them with shortcuts. Scan the drive with Windows Security, then unhide your files with attrib -h -s.
Is it safe to delete hidden files?
Not usually. Many are used by Windows and apps. Only delete hidden files you created.
To back up notes from a hidden app folder, see how to back up and restore Sticky Notes in Windows 10.
To find a file by name, date, or type, see how to search for files in Windows 10.
To stop recent files from showing in Quick access, see how to clear recent files in Windows 10.
Another way to make a folder stand out is to change its icon.
To find your drives and folders faster, see how to find My Computer on Windows 10. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
On Windows 11, you can also make an invisible folder with a blank name and icon.
Using Windows 11? See how to show hidden folders in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.