
We don’t recommend doing this unless you know you need to access one of these files or folders for some reason. But, if you know what you’re doing and you need to view these protected operating system files, there’s a setting you can change. They’re important system files and deleting or modifying them could damage your operating system, potentially even making Windows unbootable. These files are “protected” for a reason. These are hidden files with the “system” attribute. When you show hidden files and folders, Windows will continue to hide protected operating system files. Windows has two different types of hidden files: Normal hidden items, and protected operating system files.

RELATED: Make a Super Hidden Folder in Windows Without any Extra Software View Protected Operating System Files on Windows 7, 8, and 10 On Windows 8 and 10, it’s named “File Explorer Options” instead. On the General tab, look under 'Navigation Pane' and check 'Automatically expand to current folder'. Open up Explorer and go to Organize > Folder and Search Options. Head to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options. Windows Explorer Expand All Folders - greenwayhound.

This window is also accessible via the Control Panel on any version of Windows. But it’s quicker to easily toggle hidden items on or off using the ribbon. This options window is also accessible on Windows 8 and 10-just click the “Options” button on the View toolbar in File Explorer. Select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” under Hidden files and folders.

Click the “Organize” button on Windows Explorer’s toolbar and select “Folder and search options” to open it.Ĭlick the “View” tab at the top of the Folder Options window.
