How to see Windows 8 Hidden Files

How to see Windows 8 Hidden Files

Windows 8 comes with a bundle of new features that will most probably leave you confused. Well, no need to worry, though! With a few tricks and trips, you’ll get to use Windows 8 just like the other versions of the operating system. One of the things that you may find a bit complicated is related to how to see Hidden files in Windows 8. And that’s our today’s topic. So, tune in to find out more about this.

First of all, Windows 8 hides certain files that you won’t be able to see when exploring folders and files on your computer. These include files that are specified as Hidden in the properties of a file or a folder and are also given the H+ attribute and System Files which are necessary for the operating system to function properly and are thus hidden in order not to be deleted or changed by accident.

Now, there are certain moments when viewing these hidden files is of utmost importance like when you’re troubleshooting a Windows problem. If that’s so, then check the steps below to learn how to see hidden files in Windows 8.

1. If you want to see only the Hidden files and not the System files too, then the first thing to do is to select the Windows Explorer app from the Start Screen and then click on the View tab. You’ll thus get to a screen where you’ll have to check the “File name extensions and Hidden items” box. Close the Windows Explorer after that. You’ll now be able to see hidden files and a filename’s extension.

2. If you want to see both Hidden and System files, you’ll have to select the Control Panel app from the Start Screen and then select the More Settings option. You will then get to the traditional Windows Control Panel.

3. Once Control Panel opens, you will have to click on the Appearance and Personalization link and then on the “Show hidden files and folders” option that you’ll find under the Folder Options category.

4. The next thing to do is to select the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” radio button under the “Hidden files and folders” section. After that, uncheck the “Hide extensions for known file types” checkbox and you’ll be able to see the full filename and their extensions.

5. If you want to see the System files or those files marked with S+, then uncheck the “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” checkbox. Finally, hit Apply and then OK. Close the Windows 8 Control Panel and there you go.

Viewing hidden files in Windows 8 is not that complicated. All you have to do is to follow these simple steps whenever you need to see the hidden files in order to troubleshoot a Windows problem. Once you’ve solved your problem, undo these changes by going back into Folder Options to change the settings to “Don’t show hidden files, folder or drives” and to check the “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” and “Hide extensions for known file types” checkboxes. And that should be about all!