Hide a folder from the Windows 10 user. Remove the “Hidden” attribute

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Hi all! Today we will look at basic knowledge Windows, without which you can’t go anywhere. All modern Windows operating systems hide from our eyes by default system files and folders so that you don't accidentally harm yourself and delete them. However, there are many reasons when access to these files becomes necessary - this is where the question arises of how to show hidden folders in Windows 10.

When might this be useful? For example, the hidden folder AppData/Roaming contains great amount user data (the same toy saves). Or maybe you just don’t like that the system is trying to limit you - you can and even need to view hidden folders!

Many users use hiding various files and folders to protect information. It’s clear that the method is so-so, but I know people who have hidden the folder... and don’t know how to get into it (hid from themselves)

I decided to tell you about three ways to open hidden folders and files in Windows 10 (although it will work perfectly for any other Microsoft OS). In this regard, the Ten have gone far ahead and have the opportunity to show necessary files in a couple of clicks, without wandering through the system settings.

How to show hidden folders in Windows 10 through Explorer

The shortest way to get what you want is to use a small tweak in the standard and everyone's favorite Windows Explorer. Find the "View" tab and make sure that "Hidden Elements" is checked. That's all - the system will show you hidden files and folders.

Hidden files and folders in Windows 10 through Folder and Search Options

If the method above appeared only with Windows 8... then the second option has probably been around since the very first versions (By at least it was in Windows 98, but previously I didn’t even have a computer).

Click on the “File” tab and select “Change folder and search options” from the drop-down menu.

In the window that opens, go to the “View” tab and check the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option, click “Apply”

This way we enabled the display hidden folders in Windows 10 - as you can see, everything is simply outrageous.

How to open hidden folders on Windows 10? - Control Panel

If the previous two methods seemed too simple to you, then meet the longest and most inconvenient option with displaying hidden files in Windows 10 (for those who like to complicate things).

You can enable showing hidden files through the Control Panel. In fact, we use the second method with setting up Explorer, but we do this not from the program interface, but from the global system settings.

Go to the Control Panel and for easier searching, change the view to “Small icons” and find the “File Explorer Options” item.

On the “View” tab, check the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option and click the “Apply” button. From now on you will be able to see hidden files.

You will most likely be warned that showing hidden files is not entirely safe - edit them wisely and know what you are doing... (if you want to show system files, then uncheck “Hide protected system files”)

Bottom line

We have reviewed 3 different ways show hidden folders in Windows 10. Please note that system files are also hidden and simply checking the “Show hidden files” checkbox is not enough... you need to make the settings according to the third method in the control panel - then you will see everything!

In Windows 10, as in previous Windows operating systems (XP, 7, 8), not all folders are visible to the user; some of them are hidden. This was not done by accident, Windows is hiding it from you system folders, where files important for the operating system are stored so that you don’t accidentally delete them and thereby make your computer inoperable. But there are times when you need to see hidden folders (to remove unnecessary junk, clean your computer from virus activity, etc.). To do this, you need to make these folders visible, this will be discussed in this article. how to make hidden folders visible in Windows 10.

Attention!!! Take the contents of hidden folders seriously, as the operation of your computer/laptop depends on them.

First, let me explain, there are two types of hidden files or folders:

1) Hidden files and folders. These are folders in the properties of which the attribute H - hidden (hidden) is selected. If you wish, you can hide any folder by setting this attribute in the properties of the folder or file. Sometimes viruses can hide from you like this.

2)System files and folders. In the properties of which the S - system attribute has been added. These are files and folders that are critical to the operation of the operating system and simply opening hidden folders will not give you the opportunity to see protected system files.

In this article I will look at two ways to show hidden Windows folders 10:

1) Using the View tab;

2) Using the Explorer Options menu.

How to make hidden folders visible in Windows 10 using the View tab.

This method is extremely simple and will require a minimum of effort and time from you. But it will not allow you to see protected system files, only hidden files and folders. The first thing you need to do is open Explorer or any folder on your computer/laptop.

In the top field, select the View tab and check the box next to "Hidden elements".

After this, hidden folders will become visible to you. If you want to return everything back, uncheck the box accordingly.

How to see hidden folders in Windows 10 using File Explorer Options.

This method will allow you not only to see hidden folders, but also display protected system folders.

To use this method, press the key combination “Win” + “Q” and enter “Explorer Options” in the search bar.

In the Explorer Options window that opens, go to the View tab. If you want to see:

- hidden folders Windows 10, check the box "Show hidden files, folders and drives";

This article will answer your question of how to open hidden folders in Windows 10. At the same time, you will know how to hide data or how to change the visibility of a folder without changing the visibility settings.

Nothing in particular has changed in terms of object visibility settings in Windows 10, compared to previous operating systems, but very often you can hear questions on this topic regarding Windows 10. Note that these settings are similar for Windows 8 and 8.1.

So what you need to do is visible folders in the Windows 10 operating system (for Home, Pro, Enterprise or Education versions), since you need to open the hidden folder or delete it.

There are several options for adjusting operating system settings for this purpose.

The fastest way

To do this we use a conductor. It is enough to open a folder (disk), or even easier, press the Windows + E key combination.

Then select the “View” item in the main menu. Then you need to click on “Show or hide” and select “Hidden elements”.

Another way

Open the control panel window. To quickly open it, just right-click on Start, in the lower left corner of the Desktop, and select “Control Panel” from the context menu.

So, the panel is open, now you need to select the “Icons” category in the top right in the category. In the modified control panel view, select the “Explorer Options” icon. You may have it named “Folder Options”.

In the next window, select the “View” tab and scroll through the category settings “ Extra options» find the following items:

"Hide protected system files (recommended)." Check the box on it.
"Hidden files and folders." Toggle the switch to “Show hidden files, folders and drives.”

Click the "Apply" button. Now all folders will be displayed in Explorer, on the desktop and on all drives.

To complete the settings, click the “OK” button and close all open windows.

Hide hidden folders and files

Now, suppose you need to make hidden folders and files hidden so that other users cannot see them on the computer. For example, this is sensitive data and you do not have the rights to create another user in the Windows 10 operating system due to the restrictions set for the current user.

To turn off their display, just select “View” - “Show or hide” in Explorer (the first method) again and uncheck the box for showing hidden objects. Please note that the Show or Hide category may appear as a button or as a menu section. This depends on the size of the window across the width of the screen.

Perhaps this did not help, now you will need to open the Explorer settings through the control panel, and change the settings to the opposite categories “Hide protected system files (recommended)” and “Hidden files and folders”. Now you have figured out how to show hidden folders in Windows 10.

There was a need to hide data

This means you will need to select the required folder or file.

Then check the “Hidden” checkbox and click “OK”.

If no changes have occurred, and you have to see the folder (file), the visibility of hidden objects is most likely turned on. Hence, turn it off for hidden folders.

Let's now assume that you needed to find your hidden folder in order to make it visible. This means that you will first need to display hidden folders using one of the above options and uncheck the “Hidden” option. Finally, click the “OK” button.

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Let’s assume that files and folders have disappeared on your computer after viruses, or rather the amount of occupied disk space is the same, but there is no data.

Therefore, the virus has made your data hidden. How to show hidden folders in Windows 10 in this case? - ask. To fix the display of folders, use one of the methods described above.

But to make them permanently visible, you cannot change the “Hidden” setting. This means that the virus has blocked changing settings on the disk.

To fix this, right-click on logical drive(flash drive for example) and select “Properties” from the context menu.
Now you need to go to the security settings tab and select the user you logged into Windows 10 as.
Click the "Edit" button.
In the new window, check the boxes next to the items " Full access" and "Change". Save all the settings, and you will be able to change the value of the “Hidden” item.

Now you know how to hide or show all folders in any case on a computer with an operating system Windows system 10.

Overall, in latest version OS, like its predecessors, some files are displayed, some are hidden. All this was done for a reason, because in this way the system protects from the user folders that could be accidentally deleted or an inexperienced user decides that there is too much unnecessary “junk”. Be that as it may, in some cases it is simply necessary that all folders and files are clearly visible. In general, our instructions will definitely be useful to you. In one of our articles we talked about... Now let's talk about how to show hidden folders in Windows 10?

This process can hardly be considered complex, but in order for such a procedure not to cause questions and difficulties for other users, you should understand in detail what’s what.

What are hidden files and why are they needed?

The difference between hidden folders and visible ones is that the attribute itself is hidden. There are 2 types of attributes: H (hidden) and S (system), i.e. hidden and systemic, respectively.

In the first case, you can activate or remove this attribute as desired, but in the second case, file protection is much stronger, since we're talking about about system folders.

Experts divide 3 groups of “folders” of this kind. The first category includes OS files and system folders, the second group consists of folders with personal information user (hidden by the user himself) and the last group, which is very dangerous for your computer - these are folders that are hidden by a virus or keylogger. Thus, it is very important to be aware of all the hidden folders that are present on the device, because the further operation of your device depends on them.

Finding invisible files

As a rule, a certain part of the files remains unnoticed by users, since without knowing the name or extension, the search will lead nowhere. IN in this case the “Hidden” tool will help File Finder" You can download the utilities after following the link www.softonic.com/app/hidden-file-finder.

The operating principle of the utility is very simple, even though it is English language. After installing the tool, open it and select a specific area hard drive, then click on the “Start Scan” button.

In just a few seconds you will see a list of all hidden files on this device. The list will consist of detailed characteristics: name, date of creation, size, type and location.

With options that are called with right button mouse, you can delete the file, go to it, check the folder for viruses. In addition, using the program you can make hidden files appear.

Displaying files through changes in settings

This procedure can be carried out using system settings. You can show hidden files using File Explorer Options. This method is great for displaying files with a hidden attribute, as well as a system one. To get started, use the Win + Q key combination and in the field that appears, type the phrase “Explorer Options”. Then go to one of the folders and click on the “View” drop-down menu, then select the “Options” option.

In the dialog box that appears, go to the “View” tab, where the settings will be specified (the “Advanced parameters” line). These settings hide the option that is responsible for the “visibility” of files. Therefore, next to the line “Show hidden files, folders and drives”.

After this, all files will be displayed. It is worth noting that before the system files are visible, a message will appear indicating that these files will continue to be displayed in Explorer. Give a positive answer to this request.

Another simple one quick way files are displayed using the “View” tab in the dialog box local disk WITH.

Then check the box next to “Hidden items”.

When the window is minimized, see this checkbox in the Show or Hide link.

In addition to setting the display of folders, you can also remove the hidden attribute, which we have already mentioned. To do this, hover over the file and right-click to activate the settings, where select “Properties”. In the new dialog box, select the “General” tab, where the “Attributes” line is located. There you will see the “Hidden” option, from which you need to uncheck it and click on the OK button.

In general, this is all you need to know about enabling the visibility of files with a system or hidden attribute.

Considering quite not complex instructions, you need to be as careful as possible when displaying files, especially using special utilities, in which you can mistakenly delete a system file.

This article will help you not only find out about all the existing files and folders that could be located in hidden mode, but also check questionable elements for viruses and, if necessary, “clean” the system.

If you have any questions about the topic "How to show hidden folders in Windows 10?”, then you can ask them in the comments

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Previously, our site has already raised the issue of hidden folders, or rather their display. In general, there are cases when a folder needs to be hidden at the user’s initiative, so today we will talk about the reverse process of displaying “folders”.

As you know, hidden “folders” exist to protect a number of certain elements from unnecessary contact with the user. Skilled users probably know that once again similar folders There is no need to bother, but in the absence of knowledge, you can accidentally delete something that should not be deleted. So, how to create hidden folders in Windows 10?

Hiding the folder through “Properties”

Without a doubt, the most elementary method. Hover your mouse over the folder you want to hide and call up the drop-down menu. Context menu activated by pressing the right mouse button.

From the options that appear, select the last item “Properties”. A dialog box with five tabs will open in front of you. In the first tab (labeled “General”), find the “Attributes” line, opposite which check “Hidden” and click OK.

After this, you will be asked to confirm changing the attributes, in which the “To this folder and to all subfolders and files” item is checked. Leave everything as is and click OK.

If it is not activated on your computer and you view such folders using Explorer, the folder will not be visible.

If the show hidden elements is enabled, the folder with the hidden attribute you set will appear faded and the label will appear transparent.

Activating the Hidden Folders feature

You can also activate the “Hidden” attribute using the control panel. Here, find File Explorer (Folder) Options. A dialog box with three tabs will open in front of you, go to the second (“View”). There will be 2 lists in this tab - “Folder View” and “Advanced Options”. In the second list, find the “Hidden folders and files” option, and then check the next item, which begins with the words “Do not show hidden files...”.

After that, click OK for the changes to take effect.

Next, check the “Hidden” attribute in the “Properties” of the folder (as in the first case). Next to the line (on the right side) is the “Others” button. After clicking it, a dialog box will open with additional attributes and among all the lines, only “Allow file contents to be indexed...” should be active (uncheck the remaining items, if any). And so, the folder becomes hidden and will not appear in the search. To access it, you must activate the display of hidden items in the control panel.

Hiding a folder using the command line

This method is more complicated. The difference is that using this method you can activate not only a hidden attribute, but also a system one.

Moreover, by setting the attribute via command line, even if you enable the display of hidden folders, your “folder” will not be visible.

For example, the desired folder is located in the C drive branch. Next, you need to open the “Run” window using the Win+R key combination. In the free field type CMD line and click on the OK button.

After this, a dialog box will appear on a black background, which is used to type commands.

The hidden attribute is specified by the letter h. To get started, type the command attrib + h ‘’C:\Fapka’’. The word attrib conveys the command itself, so the value +h makes the folder hidden.

Before the command, enter the path to the folder. Even more hidden status Your folder will be given a system attribute, which can be assigned to a file in exactly the same way.

The command line is a very influential tool, so it will no longer be possible to return the folder to its previous state through “Properties”, which we used in the previous method. It’s just that the “Hidden” item will be checked, but in a more “ghostly” form. In other words, changes through the drop-down menu are no longer available to the user.

Thus, the only way reverting everything back means making the changes again via the command line. To do this, type the reverse command, which looks like this: attrib –s –h and do not forget to specify the path to the folder.

How to make an invisible folder?

In general, this method can also be useful if you don’t want to deal with attributes. To do this, select the desired folder and select “Rename” from the drop-down menu. After that, hold Alt key and enter the number 255, then release Alt and press Enter. Then select the “Properties” option and on the “Settings” tab, select the “Change Icon” button.

In the new dialog box, select the invisible icon and click OK to apply the changes.

How to hide a folder via Start?

A similar operation is used for the main menu of the system. However, this option in Start does not serve serious purposes as in previous cases. In general, if you want, you can take these instructions on a note. Actually, first things first.

To begin, in Start, select the Settings section. In the dialog box that appears, find the “Personalization” subsection (the first icon in the second row). Then, in the list of options, find Start on the left side of the screen. On the right side of the window, scroll down to the bottom where there is a link that says “Choose which folders appear in the Start menu.”

Perhaps our dear reader expected that this link will lead to a window in which you can hide and show any folder from Start, but this is not the case. The developers did not give the user much freedom to roam and provided the ability to hide or display folders exclusively from the following list: Settings, Downloads, Image, Home group, Personal Folder, Explorer, Documents, Music, Videos and Network.

Actually, there is no concept of “Hide” as such in these settings. Under each of the folders that are in the listed list, you will see a switch. To hide a folder, switch the position to “Off”. Thus, all folders under which the position is “Off” will not be displayed in the system menu.

If you have any questions about the topic "How to hide a folder in Windows 10?”, then you can ask them in the comments