How to view hidden files on your computer

We often hide things in our homes that could endanger or obstruct us and other residents. For example, we put matches out of children’s reach to prevent them from starting fires.

Similarly, our computers hide some files and folders to prevent us from unintentionally breaking them. Still, some might need to modify them to apply unique improvements to their devices.

READ: How to delete iPhone apps

You can reveal these items with a few simple steps. However, be careful as removing an important file or folder may require paying a professional to fix it.

How to see hidden files on PC and Mac?

It’s super simple to reveal hidden files and folders on a PC. The official Microsoft support page says you should start by opening File Explorer.

Antivirus company Avast says you can do that by entering “File Explorer” into the Windows search bar or selecting it from the taskbar. 

Click the View tab on top of the window. Then, select Show and then Hidden Items. If you have a Mac, open the Finder app, which has a blue, square smiley icon. 

1. Then, select the folder where you want to find hidden files.
2. Press Command + Shift + “.” (the period key) to reveal files.

You may hide them again by pressing the same button combination. Alternatively, use this combo from your desktop to see hidden files there.

Mac users can also use their computer’s Terminal app. Here’s how it works, according to MakeUsOf:

1. Open Applications and then Utilities to access the Terminal. Alternatively, open the Spotlight search bar by pushing the Command and Space buttons. Then, enter the word “Terminal.”
2. Enter this command: “defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE” 
3. Next, type “$ killall Finder” and press the Return button.