How to show hidden files in Windows 11, A complete guide. IT professionals and advanced users often require access to hidden files in Windows for system administration, troubleshooting, or data recovery. In this video, we'll demonstrate methods for displaying hidden files in Windows 11. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to Ninja one's IT Video Hub for more tech content like this. What are hidden files and why do they exist? Hidden files In Windows 11, our system files or folders marked as invisible by default to prevent accidental changes. Storing critical OS data while keeping File Explorer clean users may need to access them for troubleshooting, customization, or security and maintenance, making them useful for fixing issues. How to display hidden files. In this chapter, we'll explore three methods for displaying hidden files. Here's the first method to try open file, explore, and go to your desired folder. Click the view tab. Check hidden items to show hidden files. Another way to reveal hidden files is through the control panel, open control panel appearance and personalization. Click file Explorer options. Go to the view tab under hidden files and folders. Select show hidden files. Click apply. Okay, finally, here's method three. Windows terminal. Open Windows terminal by searching for it in the start menu or using the run dialogue, windows Key plus R and typing CMD, followed by enter in the command prompt window. Type the following command and press enter. Replace C slash path backslash two backslash folder with the actual path to the directory where you wanna reveal hidden files. Press enter to execute the command. Troubleshooting common issues with hidden files. If you're having trouble showing hidden files and windows, try this. Use an admin account. Check if hidden items is turned on in file. Explorer's view tab. If it is still missing, run SFC slash SCA NNOW in terminal to fix system errors accessing hidden files and Windows 11 gives you greater control over your system for troubleshooting, customization and system management. For more information, check out our official blog post on showing hidden files in Windows 11, linked in the description below.