While in the MS-DOS or the Windows command line, it may be necessary to view hidden files and directories. Navigate to the directory you want to view hidden files or directories and use either the attrib or below dir commands.
Viewing hidden files with dir command
- Try using third-party file managers to show your hidden files and folders. Apps like Forklift and DCommander can show hidden files in the interface of the apps. You won’t have to use commands or keyboard shortcuts to find your hidden files. Some file manager apps have features like hidden file finder, which can help less tech-savvy users.
- Once the View tab gets selected, press two times, H key. This will select two options- “ File item extensions ” and “ Hidden item “. Therefore, if the files were hidden, the above keyboard shortcut will show them, and using the same will hide them as well. In short, simply open File Explorer and press Alt + V and then two times H, H key.
In Forklift, for example, you can show hidden files by: Clicking View; Selecting View Options towards the bottom of the dropdown menu; Checking the box next to Show Hidden Files; There’s also a button in the toolbar to show and hide hidden files.
The above command lists all hidden files and hidden directories in the current directory.
Lists all hidden files in the current directory (the one that you are in), but not hidden subdirectories.
Lists all files and directories including hidden files and hidden directories in the current directory.
Forklift 2 Show Hidden Files Windows 10
Viewing hidden files with attrib command
Typing the attrib command alone displays all files in the current directory with their attributes to the left of the directory path and file name. Files that have an 'H' to the left are hidden files.
If too many files are listed, adding '| more' to the end of the attrib command displays all files with attributes one page at a time.
Finally, if you know the file name or file type, adding it with a wild characters displays all files with their attributes. For example, the above command lists any log file (including hidden files) with its attributes.
Additional information
- See the attrib command and dir command page for further information and help with these commands.
To show the files and folders automatically hidden in your Windows 10 computer, you can use one of the two methods introduced in this text.
Video guide on how to show hidden files and folders in Windows 10:
2 ways to show hidden files and folders in Windows 10:
Way 1: Show hidden files and folders in the View menu.
Step 1: Open This PC.
Double-click This PC on the desktop to open it.
Tips:
1. If you have no idea how to add This PC to the desktop, please refer to How to Add Desktop Icons on Windows 10.
2. You can also open another folder such as Network, File Explorer, Recycle Bin, etc.
Forklift 2 Show Hidden Files Download
Step 2: Show the hidden files and folders in the View menu.
Click View, tap Show/hide in the menu, and check the small box before Hidden items in the sub-list.
Forklift 2 Show Hidden Files Online
Way 2: Show hidden files and folders in the Folder Options.
Step 1: Open Folder Options.
Open This PC, click View and select Options.
Step 2: Show the hidden files and folders in the View settings.
In the Folder Options window, choose View, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives, and then click OK.
Now, go ahead to put them into practice, and you can show the hidden files and folders on your PC.
Forklift 2 Show Hidden Files
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