How to view hidden files and folders in Windows 10

By default, the Windows 10 developers have made important system directories and files hidden. Unlike ordinary folders, they cannot be seen in Explorer. First of all, this is done so that users do not delete elements necessary for the correct functioning of Windows 10. But sometimes it is necessary to display all the hidden objects and access them.

Ways to Display Hidden Files in Windows 10

There are quite a few ways to display hidden directories and files. Among them, there are methods that use special programs and methods that use the built-in tools of the Windows OS. Let's take a look at the simplest methods available in the system.

Displaying hidden directories using standard OS tools (1st method)

1. Open File Explorer.
2. In the top pane of File Explorer, click on the "View" tab, and then on the "Options" button.
   
3. In the window that appears, go to the "View" tab. In the "Advanced Settings" section, check the "Show hidden files, folders and drives" box. Then click OK.
   
4. Done. Now you can see all hidden folders and files.

Displaying hidden directories using standard OS tools (2nd method)

If you need to temporarily view hidden files and folders in a specific directory, then you can use the following instruction.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. In the top pane of the File Explorer, click on the "View" tab, and then click on the item "Hide selected items". If you press it again, it will hide the folders.
   

As a result of these actions, you can make hidden directories and files visible.