The purpose of this tutorial is to explain what hidden files are, and how to make them visible in Windows.

In computing, a hidden file or hidden directory(folder) on a computer is a folder or file which a user cannot see by default. Hidden directories most often serve to hide important operating system-related files and user preferences. Sometimes, they are used on shared computers to store information that the user doesn't want anyone else viewing. However, malicious programs can also use the "hidden" function to hide their presence from unaware users. Hidden file names start with a period/full stop character in Unix-like operating systems - some people refer to them as dotfiles. (for example: /home/user/.config)

To view the hidden files in Windows, Open Folder Options by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Folder Options. Click the View tab. Under Advanced settings, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK. If you do open your hidden files, remember to be very careful. Most are important operating system files, and you must take care not to alter or erase them, unless you are an experienced programmer.

This concludes this tutorial about hidden files and folders.