How to Show All Files in File Explorer
File Explorer, a fundamental feature of the Windows operating system, provides users with a convenient way to navigate and manage their files and folders. However, by default, File Explorer may hide certain file types or system files to prevent users from accidentally modifying or deleting them. If you need to view all files, including hidden and system files, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to show all files in File Explorer.
1. Open File Explorer
To begin, open File Explorer on your Windows computer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, pressing the Windows key + E, or by searching for “File Explorer” in the Start menu.
2. Access the Folder Options
Next, you need to access the Folder Options dialog box. You can do this by clicking on the “View” tab at the top of the File Explorer window and then selecting “Options” from the bottom-right corner of the ribbon.
3. Navigate to the View Tab
In the Folder Options dialog box, you will see several tabs. Click on the “View” tab to access the settings related to file and folder visibility.
4. Enable the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option
Under the “Advanced settings” section, you will find a list of options. Scroll down until you see the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option. Check the box next to it to enable this setting.
5. Apply and Save Changes
After enabling the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option, click the “Apply” button to apply the changes. Then, click “OK” to close the Folder Options dialog box.
6. Refresh File Explorer
To ensure that the changes take effect, you may need to refresh File Explorer. You can do this by closing and reopening File Explorer, or by pressing the F5 key to refresh the current folder view.
With these steps, you should now be able to see all files in File Explorer, including hidden and system files. This can be particularly useful when troubleshooting issues or when you need to access files that are typically hidden from view.
