Then restart explorer.exe :
| Option | Effect | Risk Level | |--------|--------|-------------| | Show hidden files | Displays user-hidden items (e.g., AppData). | Low | | Show protected OS files | Displays system files (e.g., bootmgr, hiberfil.sys). | – deletion or modification can break Windows. | windows explorer see hidden files
dir /a:h
All modern Windows versions allow viewing hidden files through File Explorer’s tab or Folder Options . The quick toggle ( Hidden items ) is safest for everyday use, while revealing protected operating system files should be done only by advanced users and temporarily. Using CMD or PowerShell provides automation and script-friendly alternatives. Then restart explorer