How to View Hidden Files and Folders on Windows 7

January 13, 2010 Windows 7 Tips

Some people may be wondering how to view files and folders which are hidden on Windows 7.This is very common problem which many Windows 7 users are experiencing. The truth of the matter is that you don’t need to despair because a solution to this problem is available.

Here’s how to enable and view hidden files and folders in Windows 7:

The first step is close all the open programs and folders that are on your desktop and then open up the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Open the Control Panel which can be found on the middle of the second column and click on the Appearance and Personalization link. If you scroll down to the second to last option, under Folder Options, the last link is to “Show hidden files and folders.”
Be sure to click this link and check the “Show hidden files, folders and drives.” You can also select to remove the mask of “extensions for known file types” and “protected operating system files,” but know that if you delete a protected core file, the consequences can be rough.
Press Apply and then OK and you’ll be set to view hidden files and folders on Windows 7!