On Windows 11, you have a new version of File Explorer that moves away from the ribbon menu in favor of a more minimalistic menu with basic commands. As a result, some settings are now more difficult to find, such as the option to show hidden files.
The “View” tab is no longer available in File Explorer, but you can still show hidden files and folders within the new menu using “Folder Options.”
In this guide, you will learn the steps to show hidden files, folders, and drives in the File Explorer app for Windows 11.
- Show hidden files in File Explorer via Layout and view options
- Show hidden files in File Explorer via Folder Options
Show hidden files in File Explorer via Layout and view options
To show hidden files in File Explorer, use these steps:
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Open File Explorer on Windows 11.
Quick tip: You can open Explorer from the Start menu, taskbar button, or using the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut. -
Click the “Layout and view options” menu (the second menu from the right).
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Select the Show submenu and check the Hidden items option.
Once you complete the steps, hidden files and folders will be visible in File Explorer.
Show hidden files in File Explorer via Folder Options
To view hidden files using the Folder Options settings, use these steps:
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Open File Explorer.
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Click the See more (three-dotted) menu and select the Options item.
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Click the View tab.
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Under the “Advanced settings” section, check the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option in the “Hidden files and folders” group.
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Click the Apply button.
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Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, files and folders with the hidden attribute will be visible to anyone using File Explorer on Windows 11.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.