There are many files on your computer that you might never see. These hidden files have a file attribute to mark them hidden. In Windows 7, the default view in Windows Explorer is to hide these files – under the assumption that they are being hidden for a reason. These files differ from operating system files in that those files are typically hidden even further and you can learn how to show the hidden operating system files in a different tutorial. These hidden files typically belong to other applications or are files Windows creates but does not deem them sensitive enough to mark them as protected operating system files.

1. Click on the Start menu. Click on Computer.
   
2. Click on the Organize button. Click on Folder and Search Options.
3. Click on the View tab. This tab shows you several options for showing or hiding types of files within Explorer.
   
4. Click on the radio button next to Show hidden files, folder, and drives.
5. Click OK to show hidden files.