How to View Hidden Files on Windows, Linux, and macOS

Learn commands to view hidden files on Windows, Linux, and macOS using Command Prompt and Terminal.

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To view hidden files, use the command line. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type `dir /ah` to list hidden files in the directory. On Linux or macOS, open the terminal and type `ls -a` to display all files, including hidden ones. These commands are essential for troubleshooting and managing files effectively.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are hidden files? Hidden files are files that are not visible in the file explorer by default and require specific commands to be viewed.
  2. How do I unhide files on Windows? You can unhide files in Windows by going to the 'Folder Options', selecting 'View', and then choosing 'Show hidden files, folders, and drives'.
  3. Can I view hidden files on my Mac without a terminal? Yes, you can press Command + Shift + . (dot) to toggle visibility of hidden files in Finder on macOS.
  4. What command do I use for hidden files in Linux? In Linux, use the command `ls -a` in the terminal to display all files, including hidden ones prefixed with a dot.