Hidden Files & Folders: Showing, Hiding, Finding (All Operating Systems)
Here is every working way to show, hide, and find hidden files and folders on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, Google Drive, and USB drives. Each section starts with the exact steps. Clear troubleshooting is included. Folder Lock is also covered with practical reasons and setup steps.
To show or hide hidden files on every major platform, use the built in toggle first Windows View then Show then Hidden items, macOS Finder shortcut Command Shift period, Linux Ctrl H in file managers or ls a, Android Files app setting and Photos Locked Folder for media, iPhone Photos Hidden album and Notes lock, Google Drive restrict sharing and search filters, and for strong protection use Folder Lock to encrypt and lock data with AES 256 bit across PCs and removable drives. Folder Lock works on all operating systems (Windows,Mac,Android,iOS). Folder lock can be downloaded from newsoftwares.net
Windows hidden files fast start
Show hidden files
- Open File Explorer.
- Select View.
- Choose Show.
- Turn on Hidden items.
Hide a file or folder
- Right click the item and choose Properties.
- On the General tab, check Hidden.
- Apply and confirm.
Find hidden items from the command line
- Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
- Run attrib without switches to list attributes.
Unhide a folder and contents
attrib -h –s /s /d “C:\Path\To\Folder\*”
Hide a folder and contents
attrib +h +s /s /d “C:\Path\To\Folder\*”
The attrib reference for meanings of h and s is here.
Troubleshooting on Windows
- Hidden not visible
Make sure View then Show then Hidden items is enabled. Some items also have the system attribute. You can clear it with attrib minus s. - Want only one folder to reveal hidden items
Windows applies the Hidden items view at the global level. There is no official per folder toggle.
USB stick shows empty or only shortcuts
Scan for malware, then restore attributes
attrib -h -r -s /s /d “X:\*”
- Replace X with the USB letter. h removes hidden, r removes read only, s removes system.
macOS hidden files fast start
Show hidden files and folders
- In Finder press Command Shift period to toggle hidden items on or off. Hidden items appear slightly faded.
Hide a file or folder
Quick way
Add a leading period to the name using Terminal
mv “MyFolder” “.MyFolder”
System wide toggle through Terminal
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
killall Finder
- Switch true to false to hide again. For most users, the Finder shortcut is easier. Recent walkthroughs describe both methods.
Troubleshooting on macOS
- Shortcut does nothing
Make sure you are focused on a Finder window. Apple user community notes the same shortcut and its scope.
Still cannot find a config file
Use Go to Folder in Finder and type the absolute path, for example
~/Library/Application Support/
- Then use the shortcut again to reveal dotfiles.
Linux hidden files fast start
Show and hide in graphical file managers
- In GNOME Files and many other desktops press Ctrl H to toggle hidden items.
Show in Terminal
List all, including dotfiles
ls -a
Only dotfiles
ls -d .*
Hidden files on Linux are files and folders whose names start with a period. GNOME documentation confirms the dot prefix rule.
Hide or unhide
Hide by adding a leading period to the name
mv MyFolder .MyFolder
- Unhide by removing the period.
Troubleshooting on Linux
- Hidden items always visible
Toggle Ctrl H once in the file chooser to reset to normal behavior. - Cannot see dotfiles over SSH
Use ls a or configure your file manager to show hidden items.
Android hidden files fast start
Android devices differ by brand. Two simple paths work everywhere.
Method 1 Files by Google setting
- Open Files by Google.
- Tap the menu.
- Tap Settings.
- Turn on Show hidden files. This setting is confirmed by the Files Help Community.
Method 2 Hide media with a nomedia file
In the folder you want hidden from galleries and players, create a file named
.nomedia
- Media apps then ignore files in that folder. Learn what a nomedia file does from Google Photos support and independent references.
Extra for Android photos
- Use Google Photos Locked Folder to keep items hidden behind your device screen lock. Set it up from Collections then Locked.
Troubleshooting on Android
- System folder like Android data not visible
Modern Android restricts these directories. Use the app that owns the data or connect to a computer. - Hidden images still appear in galleries
Ensure the nomedia file sits in the same folder as the media. Some gallery apps cache thumbnails. Clear their cache or reboot. - Files app shows nothing new
Pull down to refresh in Files by Google. Confirm Show hidden files is on.
iPhone hidden items and realistic limits
iOS does not expose a general toggle for hidden system files in the Files app. For personal items use the built in privacy features.
Hide and unhide photos
- Photos has a Hidden album that is locked by your passcode or biometrics.
- To show or remove the Hidden album from view, go to Settings then Photos then Show Hidden Album. Apple explains the steps for iPhone and Mac.
Lock private notes
- Notes supports locking with your device passcode or a notes password. This is a practical way to keep documents or scans private.
Why Files does not show hidden system files
- Apple does not provide a Files toggle for system hidden items. Community answers confirm the limitation. Use Photos and Notes for privacy needs.
Troubleshooting on iPhone
- Storage not freeing after deleting photos
Empty Recently Deleted then check the Hidden album. Apple notes the Hidden album is locked by default and can be hidden from the album list.
Google Drive hidden folders and private access
Drive does not have a single hide switch. Use access control and search filters.
Make a folder private
- Right click the folder on drive.google.com.
- Choose Share then General access then Restricted.
- Remove people who should no longer have access.
Reduce visibility
- Turn off suggested files in Drive settings if they keep surfacing private items.
Find folders and unearth misplaced items
- Use the Drive search box and filter chips such as Type and Owner.
Troubleshooting on Drive
- People can still open with old links
Change the link setting to Restricted and remove any public link access. - Cannot find a folder you know exists
Search by owner me and filter by folder type.
USB drives show, hide, and protect
Show hidden files on Windows
- Select the drive in File Explorer and enable Hidden items as above.
Hide or unhide with attributes
Hide all contents on a USB drive X
attrib +h +s /s /d “X:\*”
Unhide
attrib -h -s /s /d “X:\*”
Command details are in the Microsoft attrib reference.
Protect a USB the right way
- Hiding is not security. Encrypt the data. See the Folder Lock section below for a simple cross device approach.
Quick lookup tables
One screen checklist
| Platform | Toggle or command | Notes |
| Windows | View then Show then Hidden items | Use attrib for fine control. |
| macOS | Finder Command Shift period | Works across Finder views. |
| Linux | Ctrl H in file manager | Dot prefix hides items. |
| Android | Files app setting Show hidden files | Photos Locked Folder for media. |
| iPhone | Photos Hidden album then Settings Photos | Files has no general hidden toggle. |
| Google Drive | Set folder to Restricted and remove people | Use search filters by Type and Owner. |
Minimal commands that matter
| Task | Command |
| Windows unhide folder and all contents | attrib -h -s /s /d “C:\Path\To\Folder*” |
| Linux list all including hidden | ls -a |
| Linux hide a folder | mv MyFolder .MyFolder |
Tutorials by platform
Windows step by step
Show hidden files in File Explorer
- Open File Explorer.
- Select View then Show then Hidden items. Now faded entries appear.
Hide files with Properties
- Right click the item then Properties.
- Check Hidden then OK.
- If asked, apply to all subfolders and files.
Unhide everything inside a folder
attrib -h -s /s /d “C:\Sensitive”
The switches change hidden and system flags on all files and directories. Use quotes when paths contain spaces.
Repair the view when nothing appears
- Reset Folder Options and re enable Hidden items.
- If a file is also flagged as system it can ignore your standard Hidden items view. Clear the system flag with attrib minus s.
macOS step by step
Toggle hidden items in Finder
- Open any Finder window.
- Press Command Shift period to show or hide hidden items.
Hide with a leading period
Use Terminal to rename
mv “Project” “.Project”
- Toggle Finder display again with the shortcut as needed.
Full system toggle through Terminal
Show all
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
killall Finder
- Hide all by switching true to false. Contemporary guides outline this path and explain what you will see in Finder.
Fix common issues
- Shortcut does not work inside an Open or Save dialog
It usually works there too but focus must be inside the dialog list. Apple users confirm the same shortcut.
Linux step by step
Show in GNOME Files
- Press Ctrl H. Press again to hide.
Show in Terminal
List all including dotfiles
ls -a
Change a name to hide
mv Pictures .Pictures
The official GNOME help explains the dot prefix behavior for files and folders.
Fix common issues
- Hidden always on after a crash
Toggle Ctrl H once in a standard save dialog to restore defaults.
Android step by step
Show hidden files with Files by Google
- Open Files by Google.
- Tap the menu then Settings.
- Turn on Show hidden files.
Hide photos and videos the right way
- Open Google Photos.
- Go to Collections then Locked.
- Set up Locked Folder and move items into it. They are protected by your screen lock and hidden from main views.
Hide any media folder with nomedia
- Create a file named .nomedia inside the target folder.
- Media scanners skip that folder so gallery and music apps ignore its contents.
Fix common issues
- Hidden folder still shows up in Gallery
Clear the gallery app cache or reboot so it re indexes. Keep the .nomedia file in the same folder. - Files app cannot show certain app folders
Newer Android versions restrict access to app private directories. Manage data from inside the app that owns it.
iPhone step by step
Hide and unhide photos
- Open Photos and move items to Hidden.
- The Hidden album is locked by default.
- To remove the album from the list, go to Settings then Photos and turn off Show Hidden Album.
Lock private documents in Notes
- Open Settings then Notes then Password.
- Lock a note with your device passcode or a notes password.
Understand platform limits
- The Files app does not expose a toggle for system hidden items. Rely on Photos and Notes for privacy.
Google Drive step by step
Make a folder private and hidden from others
- Right click the folder then Share.
- Under General access choose Restricted.
- Remove collaborators who no longer need access.
Keep sensitive items out of suggestions
- In Drive settings turn off suggested files so private items do not surface.
Find or audit hidden content
- Use the search bar with filters such as Type and Owner. Filter by folder to isolate likely targets.
USB drives step by step
Reveal hidden items quickly
- Use the Windows Hidden items view.
Remove malicious hidden flags
Run
attrib -h -r -s /s /d “X:\*”
- Then re scan with your antivirus.
When hiding is not enough why Folder Lock is the best all in one answer
Hidden attributes and dot prefixes are about clutter control and light privacy. They do not stop snooping or data theft. Encryption and strong access control do.
What Folder Lock gives you
- AES 256 bit encryption of files and folders with on the fly lockers that grow with your data.
- Password protect folders instantly without moving files.
- Secure backup and cloud sync options.
- USB and external drive protection plus file shredder and history cleaning.
These features are documented on the official Folder Lock site and store pages.
Why it beats built in hiding
- Hidden items still open when someone toggles a view or plugs your drive into another computer.
- Folder Lock uses encryption, so your data remains unreadable without the master password even if copied. Official pages emphasize AES 256 bit and the lock then encrypt workflow.
Quick start with Folder Lock on Windows
- Download and install Folder Lock.
- Set a strong master password.
- Create a Locker, add files or entire folders.
- Close the Locker to secure everything.
- Optional set up secure backup or protect a USB drive. The product pages and store pricing list these capabilities.
Where Folder Lock fits in this guide
- Windows and USB sections rely on view toggles and attrib for visibility. Use Folder Lock for real protection on the same data.
- On macOS and Linux you can use local encryption options, but if you also work on Windows PCs or carry USB drives, Folder Lock keeps a single trusted process.
- On Android the Folder Lock mobile app provides vault style protection for photos and files.
Troubleshooting master list
| Symptom | What to try |
| Windows shows nothing after turning on Hidden items | Clear the system attribute with attrib minus s for the specific files or folders. |
| Finder toggle does not respond | Focus a Finder window then press Command Shift period again. |
| Linux file manager always shows dotfiles | Press Ctrl H once to toggle back. |
| Android gallery still shows private photos | Use Locked Folder in Google Photos or add a .nomedia file to that folder. Clear gallery cache. |
| Drive link still opens for others | Switch General access to Restricted and remove people. |
| USB shows only shortcuts | Remove attributes with attrib and scan for malware. |
| iPhone storage does not drop after deleting photos | Empty Recently Deleted and review the Hidden album. Apple documents both. |
Real world use cases you can copy
- Freelance designer in Windows and macOS
Use system toggles to find clutter, then move sensitive client exports into a Folder Lock Locker. Hand off a USB drive that only opens with the agreed password. - Linux server tinkerer
Use ls a to inspect config directories. Keep copies of private keys and passwords inside a Folder Lock encrypted container on a portable drive used for travel. - Android photographer
Move personal shots into Google Photos Locked Folder. For work in progress files stored in folders, place a .nomedia file. For client contracts and PDFs on the phone, use a Folder Lock mobile vault.
Frequently asked questions
- Are hidden files the same as encrypted files
No. Hidden files are just not shown by default. Anyone can display them. Encryption protects data with cryptography. Folder Lock encrypts files with AES 256 bit. - Is it safe to unhide protected operating system files on Windows
Only briefly and only if you know why. Many system files exist for stability. Toggle Hidden items on and off as needed, or use attrib to target a specific folder. - Does macOS have a single switch to always show hidden items
You can set it from Terminal with AppleShowAllFiles, but the Finder shortcut is faster for day to day tasks. - How do I find hidden app data folders on Android
Modern Android restricts access to app private directories. Use the app itself, or connect the device to a computer for permitted folders. For media privacy use Locked Folder or a .nomedia file. - Can I hide a folder on Google Drive so nobody sees it even with the link
If the link is set to Restricted and people are removed, only invited accounts can open it. Be sure to change link settings on the folder. - My USB files disappeared after I used it on a public computer
Use attrib to remove hidden and system flags then check with antivirus. - Does iPhone have a true file vault
Use Photos Hidden album for pictures and Notes lock for documents. There is no Files app toggle for system hidden items. - Can I make only one Windows folder show hidden items
No official per folder switch. The view setting applies system wide. Use attrib if you need a one time reveal in a specific folder. - Is a .nomedia file reversible
Yes. Delete the .nomedia file and refresh the media library, then apps will rescan the folder. Reference material explains what .nomedia does. - Why choose Folder Lock over free tricks
Platform toggles are for visibility. Folder Lock adds real security with encryption, USB protection, secure backup, and shredding. It is a single workflow across machines and removable drives.
Final recommendations you can act on today
- Use your platform toggle to reveal what is already there, clean up, and verify. Windows View then Show, macOS Command Shift period, Linux Ctrl H.
- For privacy on mobile, rely on official tools first. Android Locked Folder for media, iPhone Photos Hidden album and Notes lock for documents.
- For anything that must remain private on disk or USB, add encryption. Folder Lock gives you lockers, strong AES 256 bit, USB protection, and secure backup under one roof.