Cannot see hidden files

[GPag]

I received this system a few days ago and am setting it up as  a new PC not from a backup.

I cannot see hidden files in File Explorer.  I have verified that File Explorer View options to show hidden files and system files are checked.  I have:

• -verified that the related Registry setting has a value of 1
• run software diagnostics
• run sfc /scannow
• run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• I have done a restart and also did a shutdown and restart

Any suggestions on how to fix this issue?

Thanks 

[Deep_World]

Hi @GPag,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I’m sorry you’re going through this; I understand the concern and don’t worry I’ll help you with this. 

To help me understand the situation better, could you please share a bit more information?

 Please let me know:

1. Windows Version

• Which version of Windows are you running?
  (Settings → System → About → Windows specifications)

2. Affected Locations

• Is this happening in all folders, or only specific locations such as:
  • C:\Users\<name>\AppData
  • The root C:\ drive
  • External drives
  • Network locations

3. File Explorer Behaviour

• When you toggle View → Show → Hidden items, do the checkmarks stay on after closing File Explorer?
• Are system files (Protected operating system files) also still hidden?

4. New User Profile Test

• If you create a new local user account, do hidden files show there?
  This helps determine if it's:
  • profile-specific
  • system-wide
  • permission-related

5. Group Policy

Even on Home editions, certain OEM configurations can apply hidden Group Policies.
Could you check if the following exists?

1. Press Win + R, type:
2. gpedit.msc

(If it opens, great ,if not, tell me.)

1. Go to:
   User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer
2. Look for:
   • "Do not show hidden files and folders"
   • "Hide protected operating system files"
   • "Turn off Windows+X hotkeys" (just in case)

Tell me whether any of these are set to Enabled.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[GPag]

1. Windows Version

• Which version of Windows are you running?
  I am not at the laptop right now (replying from iPad) but yesterday I verified that the version of Windows 11 is the latest available.

2. Affected Locations

• Is this happening in all folders, or only specific locations such as:
  • C:\Users\<name>\AppData
  • The root C:\ drive
  • External drives
  • Network locations

It is happening in Appdata in my user account. I think I checked system directories but not sure.  no external drives or network locations 

3. File Explorer Behaviour

• When you toggle View → Show → Hidden items, do the checkmarks stay on after closing File Explorer?
• Are system files (Protected operating system files) also still hidden?

No the checkmarks are gone. I’ll have to check if os files are hidden but all options for hiding files are unchecked

4. New User Profile Test

• If you create a new local user account, do hidden files show there?
  This helps determine if it's:
  • profile-specific
  • system-wide
  • permission-related
• only one user account, I will create another and test

5. Group Policy

Even on Home editions, certain OEM configurations can apply hidden Group Policies.
Could you check if the following exists?

1. Press Win + R, type:
2. gpedit.msc

(If it opens, great ,if not, tell me.)

I was going to try go edit.msc to fix the problem but itdoes not exist, this is a home and office version

1. Go to:
   User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer
2. Look for:
   • "Do not show hidden files and folders"
   • "Hide protected operating system files"
   • "Turn off Windows+X hotkeys" (just in case)

Tell me whether any of these are set to Enabled.

the first two are not enabled, I did not disable hotkeys (if it was enabled). , The options stay disabled after  running DISM and SFC and after restart and shutdown.  I also verified that the applicable registry key was set to 1. 

[Deep_World · Accepted solution]

Hi @GPag 

Thank you for your response.

Since you have confirmed as "only one user account, I will create another and test" . 

I will follow-up again tomorrow, Kindly update once its resolved . 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World


 

[GPag]

I am all set with this.  There was never a problem. I was trying to fix a sync issue between Thunderbird and Outlook email.  One of the solutions provided online was to delete a hidden file in AppData/ Local/Microsoft/Outlook.  I could not see the file so I assumed it was an issue with File Explorer settings not working and focused on figuring out why I could not see the file.

When I followed your suggestion to check if the problem existed for other Windows system hidden files,  I found that showing hidden files worked fine.   The file that I was trying to see never existed.

Thanks for your help.

I resolved the sync issue

[Deep_World]

Hi @GPag,

A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Best Regards,

Deep_World