Hidden files are there, but your operating system hides them by default
A hidden file is a real file stored on your computer — it contains data just like any other file. Your operating system straightforward doesn't show it in the folder window unless you turn on a setting that says "show hidden files." This is different from a deleted file or a file in the trash. Hidden files exist in their original location; you just can't see them without changing your view.
Files become hidden for two reasons. System files that Windows or macOS needs to run are often hidden so you don't accidentally delete them. Some programs also hide their configuration files — the settings they use to remember your preferences — so they don't clutter your view. If you're looking for a file you know you created, it's usually not hidden by accident. But if you're troubleshooting a problem or looking for a program's settings folder, knowing how to see hidden files matters.
Key Takeaways
- Hidden files exist in their normal location but won't appear in folder windows until you enable the "show hidden files" setting.
- On Windows, you turn on hidden files through the View tab in File Explorer, and the setting stays on until you turn it off.
- On macOS, you can show hidden files temporarily using a keyboard shortcut, or permanently through Finder preferences.
- Hidden files are usually system files or program settings — if you're looking for a document you created, it's probably not hidden.
- Showing hidden files does not delete anything or change your computer; it only changes what you see in folder windows.
How to see hidden files on Windows
Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key and E together, or by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar. Navigate to any folder — the setting works across your entire computer once you turn it on.
Look at the top of the File Explorer window for a tab labeled View. Click it. On the right side of the ribbon that appears, you'll see a checkbox labeled Hidden items. Click that checkbox. Any hidden files in the current folder will now appear, usually shown in a lighter gray color to distinguish them from regular files.
This setting stays on. Every time you open File Explorer from now on, you'll see hidden files. If you want to hide them again later, return to View and uncheck Hidden items.
How to see hidden files on macOS
There are two ways to show hidden files on a Mac, depending on whether you want to see them once or permanently.
To show hidden files temporarily, open Finder and press Command + Shift + Period (the period key, also called a full stop). Hidden files will appear when ready. Press the same keys again to hide them. This method is useful if you need to find one hidden file and don't want to change your settings.
To show hidden files permanently, open Finder and click Finder in the menu bar at the top left. Select Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions). Click the Advanced tab. Check the box next to Show all filename extensions — this is separate from hidden files, but often useful at the same time. Then look for an option about showing hidden files (the exact wording varies by macOS version, but it will say something like "Show hidden and system files"). Check that box and close the window. Hidden files will now appear in every Finder window.
What you'll see when hidden files appear
Hidden files often have names that start with a period, like .config or .bashrc. On Windows, hidden files don't necessarily have a special naming pattern, but they're usually grayed out or marked with a small icon to show they're hidden. System folders like System32 (Windows) or Library (macOS) are also hidden by default.
Don't be alarmed if you see many files and folders you don't recognize. Most of these are system files your computer needs to run. Deleting them can cause problems, so if you're just browsing, look for the specific file you need and leave the others alone. If you're troubleshooting and someone tells you to find a hidden file, they'll usually give you the exact name or path to look for.
Why files are hidden and when you need to see them
Operating systems hide files to prevent accidental deletion. A user who doesn't know what a file does might delete it, breaking their computer in the process. By hiding system files, the operating system protects itself.
You'll need to see hidden files in a few real situations. If a program stores settings in a hidden folder and you need to reset those settings, you'll have to navigate there. If you're following troubleshooting steps from a support article or a technician, they might direct you to a hidden file. If you're moving files between computers and want to copy everything, including hidden files, you'll need to see them first. Most of the time, though, you won't need to look at hidden files at all.
Hiding files again after you're done
Once you've found what you need, you can hide files again by reversing the steps above. On Windows, go back to View and uncheck Hidden items. On macOS, press Command + Shift + Period again to toggle them off, or uncheck the option in Finder Settings if you turned on the permanent setting.
Turning off the view does not delete the hidden files or change them in any way. It straightforward removes them from your view. They remain on your computer exactly as they were.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I accidentally delete a hidden file?
Yes, if you can see it, you can delete it. That's why hidden files are hidden in the first place. If you're browsing hidden files and you're not sure what something is, don't delete it. If you do delete something by accident and realize it when ready, you can usually undo the action by pressing Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (macOS).
Why does my file not appear even after I turn on hidden files?
The file might be in a different folder than you think, or it might actually be deleted. Try using your computer's search function — on Windows, press Windows+S; on macOS, press Command+Space — and type the filename. The search will look through hidden files too and can help you locate it.
Is it safe to look at hidden files?
Looking at hidden files is safe. Deleting them is not. You can browse and read hidden files without any risk. Just avoid moving, renaming, or deleting anything unless you're certain what it is and why you're changing it.
Do I need to show hidden files to back up my computer?
Most backup programs automatically include hidden files in their backups, even if you can't see them. Check your backup software's settings to be sure, but you usually don't need to enable hidden files just to back up.