Windows – Show Super Hidden Files
By default, Windows will not display hidden or system (super hidden) files. This is done to prevent users from accidentally deleting System files. However more advanced users may require the ability to see these files.
Follow these steps to cause Windows to show super hidden files.
- Open My Computer,
- Click on the “Organise” toolbar
- Choose the “Folder and Search Options” menu
- On the Folder Options dialog box, click the View tab.
- In the Advanced Settings List, under “Hidden files and Folders”, select the option to show hidden files.
- In the Advanced Settings List, remove the tick from “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)”
- Click Apply
Windows 11
- Open Explorer
- On the tool strip bar (to the right of the Filter button), click the “…” three dots
- Choose Options
- Choose the View Tab
- In the Advanced Settings List, under “Hidden files and Folders”, select the option to show hidden files.
- In the Advanced Settings List, remove the tick from “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)”
- Click Apply
kb3676
Reviewed on 08/07/2025