Show hidden files in Windows 7

In Windows 7, hidden files and folders must be displayed in order to access system files, for example. Thumbnails are also often hidden under Windows. These "secret" files, folders and drives can be displayed in a few simple steps.

This is how hidden files are displayed in Windows 7

In order to display hidden files in Windows Explorer, you have to do the following six steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer by clicking the Windows logo in the lower left and selecting "Computer" from the Start menu. Alternatively, you can search for "explorer" under "Search programs and files" and then select the entry "Windows Explorer".
2. In the newly opened window click on "Organize" in the top left (see screenshot).
3. Select "Folder and Search Options" from the expanded menu. A new window with the heading "Folder Options" opens.
4. Select the "View" tab (see screenshot).
5. Now scroll down under "Advanced Settings" until you see the folder icon with the text "Hidden files and folders". Here you select the second entry "Show hidden files, folders and drives".
6. Finally, click OK". Now hidden files are shown in Windows Explorer.