Windows 11 and earlier versions of the Windows operating system offer an option to hide files and folders. With the option, users can hide as many files and folders as they want.
When a file or folder is hidden, and the File Explorer is configured not to show hidden files and folders, hidden files and folders are not visible in the File Explorer.
To view hidden files and folders, you need to configure the File Explorer (Windows Explorer) to show hidden files and folders. Following are some ways out there to view hidden files and folders in Windows 11.
As you likely know, Windows 11 does not offer a way to password-protect folders. Although you can use BitLocker Drive Encryption to encrypt drives, the feature is limited to Pro and Enterprise editions only. If you are looking for an easy way to password-protect files and folders, refer to our five free folder locking software for Windows 11/10 guide.
Method 1 of 3
View hidden files and folders via Folder Options in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing hidden files.
Step 2: Click on the three horizontal dots button (refer to the picture below) and then click Options to open the Folder Options dialog.
Step 3: Here, switch to the View tab by clicking on it.
Step 4: Finally, select the Show hidden files, folders, and drives radio button. Click on the Apply button to see the hidden files in the currently open folder. Note that the setting will be applied to all folders. So, all hidden files and folders are visible now.
Method 2 of 3
View hidden files and folders via Control Panel in Windows 11
Step 1: Use the search to open the Control Panel.
Step 2: Change the Control Panel View to Small icons.
Step 3: Click on the File Explorer options link to launch the Folder Options dialog.
Step 4: Here, click on the View tab.
Step 5: Lastly, select the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option before clicking the Apply button to see hidden files and folders.
Method 3 of 3
Show hidden operating system files in Windows 11
This option is different from all other methods mentioned above as this method shows only the protected operating system files. In other words, this method does not reveal your personal files.
Windows 11 keeps crucial operating system files (particularly files easily accessible by users) protected by hiding them. This makes sure that users do not delete essential operating system files by accident.
Step 1: Open the File Explorer. Click on the three horizontal dots icon and then click Options to open Folder Options.
Step 2: In the Folder Options dialog, click on the View tab.
Step 3: Here, deselect the Hide protected operating system files option. When you get the warning dialog box, click on the Yes button.
Step 4: Finally, click on the Apply button to see hidden system files.
