- \n
- Show All Hidden Files, Including System Files, With Folder Size<\/a><\/li>\n
- Show Hidden Files in Windows File Explorer<\/a>\n
- \n
- Windows 11<\/a><\/li>\n
- Windows 10<\/a><\/li>\n
- Windows 8.1<\/a><\/li>\n
- Windows 7<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Show Hidden File Extensions<\/a><\/li>\n
- Show Hidden Files on Mac<\/a><\/li>\n
- Show Hidden Files FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Show All Hidden Files, Including System Files, With Folder Size<\/h2>\n
Windows’ built-in “Hidden items” setting only goes so far. Even with it switched on, critical system files and folders – System Volume Information, hidden volumes, and system backups – still don’t show up in File Explorer, leaving you unable to see exactly where your disk space is going.<\/p>\n
Folder Size<\/strong>, a free disk space analyzer<\/a>, is the most complete way to solve this. It lists every hidden file and folder on a drive – including the ones File Explorer never displays under any setting – giving you the only fully accurate picture of your disk space.<\/p>\n
![\"Show](\"https:\/\/www.mindgems.com\/products\/Folder-Size\/images\/screenshots\/FolderSize.png\")
<\/a>Show Hidden Files and Folders<\/p><\/div>\n
Why File Explorer Falls Short<\/h3>\n
Turning on “Hidden items” in File Explorer reveals ordinary hidden files, but Windows deliberately keeps certain system-critical folders concealed regardless of that setting, since they’re needed for functions like System Restore. File Explorer simply doesn’t list them – Folder Size does.<\/p>\n
What Folder Size Shows That File Explorer Can’t<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Complete Visibility<\/strong>: Lists every hidden file and folder, including System Volume Information, hidden volumes, and backups that File Explorer omits entirely.<\/li>\n
- Full Disk Space Breakdown<\/strong><\/a>: Shows exactly where space is going, including inside files and folders Windows keeps out of view.<\/li>\n
- File Type Analysis<\/strong>: Categorizes files by type so you can see what’s actually consuming space, hidden or not.<\/li>\n
- Customizable Reports<\/strong>: Generates a disk usage report covering the full drive, not just what File Explorer is willing to show.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Steps to Use Folder Size<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Download and Install<\/strong>: Get Folder Size from the official download page and install it.<\/li>\n
- Launch as Administrator<\/strong>: Open Folder Size, click “Run As Administrator,” then select the drive or folder to analyze.<\/li>\n
- Run the Scan<\/strong>: Start the scan and let Folder Size analyze the selected drive or folder, including hidden system items.<\/li>\n
- Review the Results<\/strong>: Use the breakdown to see hidden files and folders alongside regular ones, and delete anything unnecessary.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nDownload Folder Size<\/a><\/p>\n
Compatible with Windows 11\/10\/8.1\/8\/7\/Vista (Both 32 & 64 Bit)<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFor files hidden only through Windows’ standard visibility setting rather than system protection, the built-in File Explorer options below will also work – but for a complete view that includes what Windows keeps hidden no matter what, Folder Size remains the most thorough solution.<\/p>\n
Show Hidden Files in Windows File Explorer<\/h2>\n
Windows 11<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Open File Explorer<\/b> from the taskbar.<\/li>\n
- Select View<\/b> > Show<\/b> > Hidden items<\/b>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Show](\"https:\/\/www.mindgems.com\/article\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/show-hidden-files-folder-windows11.png\")
<\/a>Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows 11<\/p><\/div>\n
Windows 10<\/h3>\n
- \n
- In the search box on the taskbar, type “show hidden files” and select “Show hidden files” from the search results.<\/li>\n
- Under File Explorer, click the highlighted “Show settings” link next to “Change settings to show hidden and system files.”<\/li>\n
- In the Advanced settings, select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives,” and then click OK.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Windows 8.1<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and select Search (or, with a mouse, point to the upper-right corner, move down, and select Search).<\/li>\n
- Type “folder” in the search box and select “Folder Options” from the results.<\/li>\n
- Select the View tab.<\/li>\n
- Under Advanced settings, select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives,” and then click OK.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Windows 7<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Click the Start button, then go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization.<\/li>\n
- Select “Folder Options” and then the View tab.<\/li>\n
- Under Advanced settings, select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives,” and then click OK.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Show](\"https:\/\/www.mindgems.com\/article\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/show-hidden-files.png\")
<\/a>Show Hidden Files in Windows<\/p><\/div>\n
Show Hidden File Extensions<\/h2>\n
File extensions –
.txt<\/code>,.jpg<\/code>,.exe<\/code> – tell both you and Windows how to handle a file. By default, Windows hides these, which can cause confusion and, in some cases, security risks.<\/p>\nWhy Showing File Extensions Matters<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Security<\/strong>: Malware can disguise executables as harmless files –
photo.jpg.exe<\/code> displays asphoto.jpg<\/code> when extensions are hidden, tricking users into opening it.<\/li>\n- Better File Management<\/strong>: Visible extensions make it easier to sort files by type and confirm they’ll open with the right application.<\/li>\n
- Avoiding Mistakes<\/strong>: Renaming a file with a hidden extension can accidentally strip it – turning
document.pdf<\/code> into an unusable file nameddocument<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nWindows 11 and Windows 10<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Open File Explorer<\/strong>: Click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar or press
Win + E<\/code>.<\/li>\n- Access Folder Options<\/strong>: Click the “View” tab, then click “Options” to open Folder Options.<\/li>\n
- Show Extensions<\/strong>: In the Folder Options “View” tab, scroll to “Hide extensions for known file types,” uncheck it, and click “OK.”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Show](\"https:\/\/www.mindgems.com\/article\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/show-hidden-files-extensions-windows11.png\")
<\/a>Show File Extensions Windows 11, 10<\/p><\/div>\n
Windows 8.1<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Open Search<\/strong>: Swipe in from the right edge and tap “Search,” or point to the upper-right corner with your mouse and select “Search.”<\/li>\n
- Find Folder Options<\/strong>: Type “folder” and select “Folder Options” from the results.<\/li>\n
- Show Extensions<\/strong>: In the “View” tab, uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types” and click “OK.”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Windows 7<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Open Control Panel<\/strong>: Click Start, then select “Control Panel.”<\/li>\n
- Access Folder Options<\/strong>: Go to “Appearance and Personalization,” then click “Folder Options.”<\/li>\n
- Show Extensions<\/strong>: In the “View” tab, uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types” and click “OK.”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Show](\"https:\/\/www.mindgems.com\/article\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/show-hidden-file-extensions.png\")
<\/a>Show Hidden File Extensions<\/p><\/div>\n
Show Hidden Files on Mac<\/h2>\n
macOS hides system and dotfile-prefixed files (like
.DS_Store<\/code>) from Finder by default. Unlike Windows, there’s no menu toggle – it’s done with a keyboard shortcut.<\/p>\n- \n
- Open Finder.<\/li>\n
- Navigate to the folder where you want to see hidden files.<\/li>\n
- Press
Cmd + Shift + .<\/code> (period).<\/li>\n- Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed, alongside your regular files.<\/li>\n
- Press
Cmd + Shift + .<\/code> again to hide them once you’re done.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nThis shortcut works in any Finder window and any Open\/Save dialog across macOS, without needing to change a system-wide setting.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
For everyday hidden files – the ones Windows or macOS hide by default but will show with a setting change – the built-in options above are all you need. But if you’re trying to see exactly where your disk space is going and want visibility into system-protected folders that File Explorer won’t display under any setting, Folder Size<\/a> is the only tool that shows the complete picture, and it’s free.<\/p>\n
Show Hidden Files FAQ<\/h2>\n
\nHow can I view hidden files in Windows?<\/h3>\n
Open File Explorer, click the “View” tab, then check “Hidden items”<\/strong> under the Show menu. This reveals standard hidden files and folders, though some system-protected folders will still stay hidden.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat is the keyboard shortcut to show hidden files in Windows?<\/h3>\n
Open File Explorer with Windows + E, then press Alt, V, H in sequence<\/strong> to toggle Hidden items on or off without going through the ribbon menu.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow do I see hidden files using Command Prompt?<\/h3>\n
Open Command Prompt and run “dir \/a:h”<\/strong> to list every hidden file in the current directory, including ones not visible in File Explorer even with Hidden items enabled.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow do I show hidden files on a Mac?<\/h3>\n
Open Finder and press Cmd + Shift + .<\/strong> (period) to toggle hidden files on and off. Unlike Windows, macOS has no menu setting for this – it’s keyboard shortcut only.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow do I unhide a specific file using its attributes?<\/h3>\n
Open Command Prompt and run “attrib -h filename”<\/strong> to remove the hidden attribute from that one file, without changing your File Explorer display settings.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhy can’t I see certain folders even with Hidden Items turned on?<\/h3>\n
Some folders, like System Volume Information, are protected system folders that Windows keeps hidden regardless of your Hidden Items setting<\/strong> – File Explorer excludes them entirely. Folder Size can display these along with every other hidden file and folder on the drive.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat does a hidden file look like in File Explorer?<\/h3>\n
Once Hidden Items is enabled, hidden files and folders appear with a slightly dimmed or faded icon<\/strong> compared to regular files, making them easy to distinguish at a glance.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan Folder Size show hidden files and folders that File Explorer can’t?<\/h3>\n
Yes – Folder Size displays every hidden file and folder on a drive, including System Volume Information, hidden volumes, and system backups<\/strong> that File Explorer omits under any setting, giving a complete view of disk space usage.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nAre there risks to viewing or modifying hidden files and folders?<\/h3>\n
Yes – many hidden files are system-critical, and modifying or deleting them can affect system stability.<\/strong> Always confirm what a file is for before changing or removing it, especially inside protected system folders.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
- Access Folder Options<\/strong>: Go to “Appearance and Personalization,” then click “Folder Options.”<\/li>\n
- Find Folder Options<\/strong>: Type “folder” and select “Folder Options” from the results.<\/li>\n
- Access Folder Options<\/strong>: Click the “View” tab, then click “Options” to open Folder Options.<\/li>\n
- Better File Management<\/strong>: Visible extensions make it easier to sort files by type and confirm they’ll open with the right application.<\/li>\n
- Security<\/strong>: Malware can disguise executables as harmless files –
- Select View<\/b> > Show<\/b> > Hidden items<\/b>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Launch as Administrator<\/strong>: Open Folder Size, click “Run As Administrator,” then select the drive or folder to analyze.<\/li>\n
- Full Disk Space Breakdown<\/strong><\/a>: Shows exactly where space is going, including inside files and folders Windows keeps out of view.<\/li>\n
- Windows 10<\/a><\/li>\n
- Show Hidden Files in Windows File Explorer<\/a>\n