Unlocking the Hidden- A Guide to Making Hidden Files Visible in Your File Explorer
How to Make File Explorer Show Hidden Files
In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to have a computer filled with hidden files and folders. These files are often system files or files that you’ve chosen to hide for privacy reasons. However, if you’re not used to seeing these hidden files, it can be quite challenging to find them when you need them. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your file explorer show hidden files on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Windows
If you’re using Windows, here’s how you can make your file explorer show hidden files:
1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing `Windows + E`.
2. Click on the “View” tab at the top of the window.
3. Look for the “Hidden items” option and click on it.
4. A dropdown menu will appear. Select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.”
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
After following these steps, your file explorer should now display hidden files. If you want to hide them again, simply repeat the steps and select “Don’t show hidden files, folders, and drives” from the dropdown menu.
macOS
For macOS users, the process is quite similar:
1. Open Finder by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock or pressing `Command + Space` and typing “Finder.”
2. Go to the “View” menu at the top of the screen.
3. Click on “Show Hidden Files.”
4. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm.
Now, your Finder should display hidden files. To hide them again, go to the “View” menu and click “Hide Hidden Files.”
Linux
If you’re using Linux, the process can vary depending on the distribution you’re using. Here’s a general guide for most distributions:
1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: `gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.privacy show-hidden-files true`
3. Close the terminal window.
This command will make your file explorer show hidden files. To hide them again, type the following command: `gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.privacy show-hidden-files false`
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make file explorer show hidden files on Windows, macOS, and Linux, you should be able to find and manage your hidden files with ease. Whether you’re looking for a system file or trying to keep your personal files private, having the ability to see hidden files is a valuable feature.
