In the Windows operating system, it is possible to set the "Hidden" attribute in the properties of any folder or file. After that, the object will no longer be displayed on the desktop, in the "Explorer" window and in other applications. However, in the OS settings, you can set a condition under which absolutely all objects, including hidden ones, will become available for normal operations, including searching for files.
Instructions
Step 1
You can access the desired settings through the "Explorer" - launch it by double-clicking the "Computer" icon on the desktop. If the desktop is closed by application windows, then you can right-click "Start" and select the "Open Explorer" command, or simply press the Win + E key combination.
Step 2
If you know in which folder you should look for the file you need, then navigate to it using the directory tree in the left column of the file manager. And if the exact location of the search is not known, click the inscription "Computer" in the same column.
Step 3
Expand the "Organize" drop-down list located above the directory tree and select the "Folder and search options" line. As a result, a window with the required settings will open.
Step 4
This window can be reached in another way - through the "Control Panel". To do this, open the OS main menu, launch the panel and go to the "Appearance and Personalization" section. In the "Folder Options" section, click the "Show hidden files and folders" link and the settings window will open.
Step 5
Or you can do it even easier: press the Win button and type the word "show" on the keyboard. The open main menu of the OS will display several links, among which there will be "Show hidden files and folders" - click it.
Step 6
In the window for managing folder settings, go to the "View" tab. Scroll to the bottom of the list of "Advanced options" and put a check mark next to the words "Show hidden files, folders and drives." If the object you need to find refers to system files, then uncheck the "Hide protected system files (recommended)" line. Immediately after this action, a warning about the unsafe manipulation of system files will appear on the screen - confirm the operation by pressing the "Yes" button.
Step 7
Click the OK button and after that you can start searching - enter the name of the file or its fragment in the search query field at the upper right corner of the "Explorer" window.
