How to find a folder if it is hidden. How to find hidden folders

Let's look at how to hide a folder in Windows 7 and 10, as well as find hidden materials and view their contents.

Hiding files and folders in the operating system is a reliable way to hide important information or protect it from accidental damage or removal.

The function is useful in the following cases:

• Several users use the same computer at once;
• You need to temporarily hide information on your PC;
• You don't want to clutter your desktop with shortcuts.

Hiding a folder on a Windows computer

Developers from Microsoft have provided the ability to hide . This function is primarily necessary to prevent users from deleting important system files and libraries.

Can configure the display of hidden folders and files. There are also third-party applications to work with this function.

Method 1 – Standard Explorer

The essence of the first method is to use the standard Windows Explorer. Its settings provide the ability to manually select what information can be displayed in the system and what information should be hidden from the eyes of other users.

Follow the instructions for Windows 7, 10:

• Go to the Computer Control Panel;
• Select the view type “Large icons”;
• In the list, find the “Explorer Options” field and open it;

• In the new window, go to the “View” tab;
• The Advanced Options area displays all the options for displaying File Explorer menus and folders and files in the operating system. Scroll down the list to the “Hidden folders and files” option;
• Check "Do not show..." and save the settings.

After setting up Explorer, you can mark the desired folders as hidden. To do this, follow these steps:

• Create a folder on your desktop or in another directory and fill it with the necessary files, which will be the hidden contents of the folder;
• Click on an object right click mouse and select “Properties” among the action options;
• In the “General” tab, check the “Hidden” attribute and save the settings.

If the system does not prohibit showing hidden elements, users will see important system files and temporary documents open source software and files that have been manually identified as hidden. The icons for these folders and shortcuts will be dimmer than usual, so they can be easily identified among other data.

The method described above will help hide hidden folders in Windows 10. The instructions for Windows 7 will be similar, since the Explorer settings interface is identical in both versions of the OS.

Method 2 – Free Hide Folder Utility

For more convenient interaction with hidden elements, it is better to use special programs. Free Hide Folder is one such utility. It is free and compatible with all versions of Windows.

Let's take a closer look at how to work with hidden files and folders in Windows using Hide Folder. The program interface is very simple, but is presented only in English.

Follow the instructions to hide the directory:

• Open the program window and click on the “Add” button;
• An explorer window will appear in which you need to select a folder to hide;
• After this, the path to the directory will be displayed in the main application window. In the list form you will see all the folders that are currently hidden;
• To remove a folder, find its name in the program, click on this field right key and select “Unhide Folder” from the list of actions.

Other features:

• Creating a backup of the contents of hidden folders;
• Ability to set a password for a directory;
• Using strong encryption algorithms that make it as difficult as possible for content hidden on your computer to be hacked.

Method 3 – Transparent folder

Hidden folders in Windows 7, 10 can be created not only by changing the properties of files and directories. One of the most simple methods- This is a setting for the appearance of a folder, as a result of which it becomes invisible.

Follow the instructions:

• Determine which folder you want to hide and right-click on it;
• Select "Properties";

• In a new window, open the “Settings” tab;
• Click on “Change icon”;

• Next, a list will appear with a preview of all the icons that are available in the system. Among them there are also invisible ones. Find one of them and set it as the folder image;
• Save your changes.

You must enter special invisible characters as the directory name. They appear when you simultaneously press the Alt key combination of numbers 255. The final view of the folder is shown in the figure below. As you can see, it can be selected, but during normal interaction with the desktop it is not visible.

The disadvantages of this method are that Explorer still displays the directory, even though it does not have an icon or name. Also, another user may discover the folder if they decide to select all the items on the desktop or in another directory at the same time.

Method 4 – How to hide a folder in a picture

Another method of hiding folders is radically different from all those described above. It involves the use of basic steganography techniques - the science of classifying the very fact that secret data exists.

If you have a folder with secret files and you don't want anyone else to see it, you can follow these steps:

• Archive the directory - ZIP or RAR formats are suitable;
• Next, select any image and place it along with the created archive in a new folder;

• Next, open a command prompt. This can be done by simultaneously pressing the WinR buttons and entering the CMD command;

• In the command prompt window that opens, run the folder using the command cd c:\MySecrets\;
• Next, enter the command COPY /B image.jpg + MySecrets.rar SecImage.jpg, where IMAGE is the initial image you selected, MySecrets is the archive, SecImage is the new final image in which the information will be hidden;
• To execute the command, press Enter.

After repeating the above steps, you can test the result of the work. Open the final file SecImage.jpg - you will see the first image you selected. At the same time, if you open this document using an archiver or changing the resolution from JPEG to RAR, you will still have access to the archive and be able to view the contents.

The advantage of this method is that a potential attacker is unlikely to realize that the system uses this method of hiding information. In addition, it is very difficult to identify exactly which picture the archive is hidden in, while all other methods are quite easy to deactivate.

Finding hidden elements

If you want to check if there are hidden objects on your computer that other users have created, you can use the built-in OS features to find the hidden folder or file.

Activating showing hidden folders

The easiest way to show hidden folders in Windows is to use the Explorer settings window already mentioned above. Open File Explorer Options and additional settings check the “Show hidden folders” box:

How to find an invisible folder

To find an invisible folder on the desktop, press the CtrlA key combination. This will allow you to select all the elements and find out if there are invisible objects in the system. You can search for folders in Explorer in the same way.

Hidden folders on a flash drive

After connecting the flash drive to the computer, it becomes part of Explorer operating system, so its contents will be affected by all installed in Windows settings. To open hidden folders in Windows on a flash drive, just change the advanced settings of Explorer to “Show hidden files”, as already described above.

You can only secure the contents of a flash drive using programs that set a password on a USB drive:

• TrueCrypt - free program to encrypt the entire contents of a flash drive, the volume of which is more than 2GB;
• Rohos Mini Drive– the ability to encrypt not the entire flash drive, but only individual directories or files;
• MyFolder – protects content on flash drives and OS root folders.

Bottom line

Now you know about everyone possible ways, how to hide a folder in Windows or how to find and open it. If you have not encountered the setting before invisible folders, we recommend using the default Explorer settings first.

For users who need to constantly hide information, we recommend working with the Free Hide Folder utility or hiding the directory in a picture. This increases the chances that the information will remain confidential, even if someone deliberately tries to find the folder.

To save confidential information PC users often use the hiding function. An attribute is set in the settings of folders (files) that hides them from prying eyes. If option , 7, 8 is enabled, then invisible objects will become visible and they will have a pale tint.

Using someone else's computer, you will probably want to search for classified information, for example, find out where personal photos or videos, secret documents and other information of interest are located. In the instructions, we'll see how to find a hidden folder on a computer in Windows 7, (10, 8) via standard means OS (on the desktop and in Explorer), specialized software.

Search for hidden elements using standard OS tools

To search for hidden folders (files) in Windows, you must enable their display. For eight and ten, follow these steps:

For seven, do this:

Note: The Folder Options window is also available in Windows 10, 8. In Explorer, click Options on the View tab.

Open File Explorer, if necessary, go to the desired section hard drive(for example, drive C) or the desired directory, since the search works where you are. To find hidden files and folders in Windows, place your cursor in the search area. Enter part or all of the name and wait until the search ends. Windows 10, 8 has a lot of filters: size, type, modification date, and others.

Windows 7 also has a set of filters, but it is more limited: modification date, size. In addition to entering the name, you can use a construction like: *.docx or similar. This way you will find all office files Microsoft Word. The logic should be clear. Pay attention only to pale elements.

Finding hidden objects through programs

There are special programs for searching and processing invisible directories and files. These applications include: Find Hidden, Hidden File Finder, which we will consider below.

Find Hidden is a portable, free software that allows you to quickly find hidden folders (as well as files) on your Windows computer. Follow these steps:

1. Download the program. Extract from the archive.
2. Run the executable file, wait. Accept license agreement by pressing ACCEPT.
   
3. In the System Tools setting, select the type of elements you are looking for, these are regular objects and system protected ones.
4. Specify the search location (for example, drive C). Choose what to find: files (Hidden Files Only) or folders (Hidden Directories Only). If the Hidden Files Only search mode is selected, you can specify a specific extension, size, and date (created, modified, opened). In Hidden Directories Only search mode, you can set the date. After setting the parameters, click on Search.
   
5. The program will begin searching for invisible Windows elements. You will see how many objects have been scanned and how many invisible ones have been found. A list of folders (files) with their descriptions will appear in the window. After full scan directories, you can perform various operations with hidden files and folders by right-clicking: view properties, location, change attributes, and more.
   Hidden File Finder is a free program to quickly scan and detect all invisible objects in the Windows system. To find hidden folders (files) in Windows, follow these steps:
   

   These are the ways you can find a hidden folder on your computer in Windows 10 (7, 8) or required file. First the method will work, if you know what you are looking for, and the second one gives full list all invisible elements, which makes it easier to find the information you need.

operating room Windows system allows for a huge variety of actions related to technical processes. Today we will talk about hiding folders and files on your computer. About why this is done and how to find them.

Let's start with the fact that in some cases the concealment of certain documents is provided for by the developers of this system. Default some important elements are hidden so that the user cannot accidentally find them delete And damage normal functioning of the system. Sometimes users hide them in order to hide personal data or simply important information from prying eyes. In any case, sometimes there is a need to find them, let's look at how to do this.

Displaying folders in Windows 7

First you need to find the shortcut " My computer", in the window that opens, select the menu item " Arrange“Opening this menu, click on the section “ Folder and search options» and left-click.

After which a new window ““ will open. You need to go to the section " View", scroll the menu to the very bottom, where you will find the item " Hidden files and folders". Next, just switch to the point where hidden files will be shown, apply and click “ OK«.

All documents that are not displayed will be shown after this operation. They will stand out in a slightly duller color.

Hidden folders in Windows 8

A similar operation needs to be repeated in Windows 8. First, you should open the same shortcut “ My computer“, and then find the checkmark at the top and open additional section if it is not open by default.

In the menu that opens, select “ View" and click on the icon " Options«

In the window that appears, we repeat the same steps as in the previous algorithm, and you can also uncheck the “ Hide protected system files“if you need it for a specific purpose. After this, all non-displayed folders will become visible, but different in color.

Display in Windows 10

The actions are absolutely the same as in Windows 8, all sections and items are saved in their places, so there is no need to describe them.

Show hidden folders in Total Commander

It is much easier, in my opinion, to display hidden documents using third party program, For example, Total Commander. In the program, find the section “ Configuration". In it select the item “ Settings«.

In the menu that opens, select the subsection “ Panel Contents" and then just check the boxes " Show hidden files" and, if necessary, " Show system files«.

Apply and click " OK". All documents are displayed, which is what we wanted.

It’s worth mentioning that developers hide system elements for a reason. Their removal, alteration and damage may result in crash and errors in the system, so they should be treated with special care and caution. If you are trying to find hidden files on someone else's computer, a moral question arises. The user hid these files for a reason, which means viewing them is wrong - respect everyone’s privacy.

By default, the ability to see hidden files is disabled in any version of Windows. This is necessary so that inexperienced “dummies” do not accidentally delete anything and disrupt the operation of the OS. The solution is quite logical, since these folders are rarely needed. And even then - only to a few users. But sometimes there is a need to look at hidden files.

For example, during Windows optimization and garbage cleaning. Many programs (Microsoft Word, Skype) create hidden files during operation. Over time, they become unnecessary, but are stored on disk and take up extra space.

Very often gamers need to enable hidden folders and files. After all, they are where saves from many games are stored.

Also, displaying hidden files is required by users who want to hide documents on a flash drive, but do not yet know how to find them later. In general, there are a lot of reasons.

Let me immediately note that in different Windows versions This setting is done in different ways. Although some methods may be the same. Therefore, below are several instructions on how to enable hidden files in all Windows - “seven”, “eight”, “ten” and XP. Plus, there is a universal method that works on all operating systems.

If you need to disable their display, then in the same window, check the box “Do not show...”.

Second way:

1. Go to Start, open Control Panel and click on the Folder Options shortcut.
2. Select the “View” section, scroll the slider down and activate the “Show...” item.
3. Save your changes by clicking Apply.

And the third way:

1. Open any folder you like.
2. Click the Alt button and a menu like this will appear.
3. Click Tools – Folder Options.
4. A familiar window will open: to enable showing hidden files, go to the “View” tab and check the “Show...” checkbox.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated here. Choose any method that suits you best and use it at the right time.

When you enable viewing of hidden files in Windows 7 using any of the methods described above, they will be visible everywhere. Including on a flash drive. You just need to connect it to your PC or laptop - and you will see the hidden folders (provided that they are there). The same applies to an external HDD.

We've sorted out the "seven", now let's move on to the "eight".

How to enable hidden files in Windows 8?

There are also 3 options to choose from. The first two are described above in the instructions for Windows 7. That is, you can enable hidden files in Windows 8 by entering the control folders command. Or by selecting the “Folder Options” shortcut in the Control Panel.

But there is another way to show hidden files in Windows 8:

1. Open any folder you like.
2. Select the "View" section.
3. Click on “Show or hide”, and then check the “Hidden elements” checkbox.

Ready. And not only in the current folder, but also in others. The same methods will help display hidden files on a flash drive or external HDD disk– you just need to connect them to your computer or laptop.

The last method, which works on Windows 8, is also suitable for the “ten”

To enable hidden files in Windows 10:

1. Open any folder.
2. Select the "View" section.
3. Check the "Hidden Elements" box.

After this, you will be able to see hidden folders and documents in any partition of your hard drive or on a flash drive (it must be connected to the PC).

If you want to hide the folders again, uncheck this box.

There is also another way to enable the display of hidden files in Windows 10:

Ready. Now you can open any hidden files on Windows 10. As you can see, the methods on different versions of the OS are quite similar, but differ in minor nuances.

Not many users use Piggy today, but we’ll still consider it. You can view hidden files in XP like this:

That's it - now you can open or delete hidden folders and documents.

If you don’t want to understand the differences between different versions of Windows, you can use the universal method

In this case, you just need to install file manager Total Commander (download link). The program sees hidden documents and works on all Windows.

How to see hidden files in Total Commander? To do this you need to do the following:

Now all folders and documents in Total Commander will be visible. And you don’t even have to go to the Windows settings and change folder display options.

Need to see hidden documents? Launch Total Commander and go to the desired hard drive partition. Or connect the USB flash drive and then open it through this file manager.

As you can see, all ingenious is simple. Now you know how to show hidden files and make them visible. And if necessary, you can easily find them. My only advice: if you find any unfamiliar folders, do not delete them. After all, they may contain important system files, the removal of which will disrupt the operation of Windows.

On every computer under Windows control There are so-called “hidden folders”. They are not visible on the user's screen various reasons, however correct settings will help you display them so you can make appropriate changes. Next, we will describe in detail all the nuances of working with hidden folders.

How to enable hidden folders on Windows?

You should keep in mind the fact that some files on the computer are hidden from the user for good reason. As a rule, such folders store critical information necessary for the operation of specific programs or the operating system as a whole. Under no circumstances should they be deleted, which is why the developers “hid” the files in such a cunning way.

Making them visible (we will use Windows 7 as an example, but on other versions everything is done similarly) is quite simple:

• Open “Computer” through “Start” or a shortcut, in the upper left corner, on the taskbar, find the “Organize” button (in Russian localization “Organize”), click on the “Folder and search” item, a new “Folders option” window will open.
• Go to the “View” tab and in the “Advanced settings” window, among various settings, in the “Hidden files” subsection, check the checkbox with the inscription “Show hidden files”.
• Click “Ok”, look at the desired folder and check the result - the files should be displayed as translucent labels.
• If there is a need to cancel changes, simply move the checkbox up one line and save the changes again, system folders and the files will disappear from the screen.

How to see hidden folders in Windows 10?

Since “ten” has changed its interface by default (it can be returned to the classic one, but we will talk about displaying in “tablet”, tiled appearance), it is worth mentioning separately the settings for hidden files.

• To show them, click on the “Start” button, find the “Explorer” item, and a new window opens.
• At the top, in the taskbar, we find the “View” menu, a little lower and to the right, next to “Current view”, check the box next to “Hidden elements”.
• An alternative option is to press the Win+Q key combination to open a search. In it, enter “Explorer Options” and open the corresponding window. Then everything happens in the same way as described in the first paragraph - on the “View” tab we find the appropriate item for displaying files and folders.

Showing hidden folders in Windows Vista

If you still can’t part with this version of the operating system, let’s say a few words about what differences in the settings there are. In the classic form, they repeat point 1, in the form “ Home page” from the Control Panel you will need to go to “Design and Personalization”, click on the link “Show hidden files and Folders.” If necessary, the user can make a file or folder invisible independently, in any modern Windows. Just right-click on the icon, go to its properties and check the “Hide” box.

Seeing hidden folders is useful not only for changing settings. Sometimes they contain viruses that deliberately hide information from the user. If you find one of these suspicious folders, do not rush to delete it, first carefully analyze the contents.