Changing file viewing options in Windows

Windows can hide certain files and file extensions by default. If you need to see hidden files, folders, or the full file extensions, you can adjust these settings easily

How to show hidden files and file extensions

  1. Open Control Panel
    • Type Control Panel into the Start menu search and open it.
  2. Change the view
    • Set View by: to Large icons (or Small icons).
  3. Open File Explorer Options
    • Select File Explorer Options from the list.
  4. Adjust the viewing settings
    • Go to the View tab.
    • Under Advanced settings, tick Show hidden files, folders and drives.
    • Untick Hide extensions for known file types.
  5. Save the changes
    • Click OK.

Last Reviewed: 12/01/2026.

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