Most computers running a Windowsoperating systemare configured by default to not display hidden files.
These are often important operating system-related files.
Both Windows andmacOS computers have hidden files.
‘Everything’ program showing hidden folders.
Otherwise, it’s normal to never interact with hidden files.
Thepagefile.sysfile is a common hidden file in Windows.ProgramDatais a hidden folder you may see when viewing hidden items.
In older versions of Windows, commonly encountered hidden files includemsdos.sys,io.sysandboot.ini.
Configuring Windows to either show, or hide, every hidden file is a relatively simple task.
It’s easiest in Windows 11: from File Explorer, go toView>Show>Hidden items.
In other Windows versions, select or deselectShow hidden files, folders, and drivesfrom Folder Options.
See ourHow to Show or Hide Hidden Files in Windowstutorial for more detailed instructions.
Remember that most users should keep hidden files hidden.
Using afree file search toollikeEverythingis another way to view hidden files and folders.
Instead, just search for them and open themthroughthe search tool.
This is an easy way to tell which files are hidden and which aren’t.
The choice is yours, and the result is just as clear as it seems.
Unhiding a specific file or folder can be done using the same steps mentioned above.
On a Mac, hide folders with thechflags hidden /path/to/file-or-foldercommandin Terminal.
Replace “hidden” with “nohidden” to unhide the item.
Unhiding a hidden file/folder is easy for anyone to do, as you’re free to see above.
Instead, a true file encryption tool orfull disk encryption programis the way to go.
Even more helpful, you could usedir /a:hto listonlythe hidden files in that particular folder.
Some antivirus software may prohibit changing the attributes of critical hiddensystem files.
Other programs that let youlock a folder in Windowswork similarly.
Of course, this is also true for file encryption programs.
Similarly, toggling the hidden attribute on will not encrypt the file like an encryption program can.
You will need to choose who to share the folder with and give them read/write permissions.
Create a new folder whose file name begins with adot(.).
This tells the Android operating system to ignore the file.
TheAppdata folderis hidden by default because most people have no reason to muck around in it.
