MicrosoftWindowsWindows 11
The Windows operating system hides critical system files and folders by default.
Therefore, one needs to be able to view and access them.
Windows Hidden Folders VS.
Protected Folders
Windows has 2 categories of files and folders that are not visible to the users by default.
One is the Hidden files and folders, and the other is the Protected files and folders.
Thehiddenfiles and folders can be accessed by a user using eitherFile Exploreror other command-line tools.
Access is denied prompt
However, theprotecteditems are blocked by the Windows operating system.
With that said, files and folders can also be hidden due a malware or virus in your machine.
In this case, you may need to access/view those protected files as well.
Hidden items showing in File Explorer
However, this method probably wont work if your rig is infected by malware.
you could still use this method to access and view the hidden content by Windows.
Therefore, we have divided the method to view them.
Open Explorer options
Open File Explorer and navigate to the directory where you want to view the hidden items.
Now clickViewfrom the ribbon menu.
Now clickViewfrom the ribbon menu, and then check the box next toHidden itemsin theShow/hidesection.
Show protected items
You will now be able to see the hidden items in Explorer.
ClickViewfrom the ribbon menu and then clickOptions.
You will now be prompted for confirmation.
Confirm action
ClickYes.Confirm action
Now clickApplyandOkon theFolder Optionspopup to implement the changes.
You will now be able to view both the hidden and protected items.
Note that this will only work for the hidden items, and not the protected items.
Apply changes
In case you want to hide the items again, simply toggle the same slider into theOffposition.
Here is how:
This will open theExplorer Optionswindow.
Now switch to theViewtab and go for the Show hidden files, folders, and drives radio button.
Protected and hidden items showing in File Explorer
This will show only the hidden items.
Therefore, we insist that you create asystem restore pointbefore proceeding forward with the process.
You should now be able to see the hidden and protected files and folders in File Explorer.
Show hidden items
Moreover, this wont show the hidden items in File Explorer, but only inside the Command Prompt.
To avoid any negative impact on the operating system, we recommend that you create asystem restore pointbefore proceeding.
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Open Explorer options
Talk to us straight and get your questions answered right away
Show protected items
Confirm action
Apply changes
Hide protected and hidden items
Expand File Explorer settings
Enable “Show hidden and system files”
Show hidden items from Settings app
Show hidden items
Also show protected items
Quick navigation path in Registry Editor
Hidden and ShowSuperHidden values in Registry Editor
Change directory
Show hidden items in Command Prompt
Change directory
Show hidden items in PowerShell
View items hidden by virus
source: www.itechtics.com
