What Are Hidden Files? How to Manage Them on Windows or Mac?

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Summary: You must have hidden some files or folders on your computer, but do you know what the hidden files exactly are? Here follows iBoysoft, we will simply introduce a hidden file and how it works.

 

When you hide the files, do they really disappear? No, hidden files are files that are not visible by default in a file management system. They are often used to store configuration settings, system files, or sensitive data.

Knowing hidden files is really important for managing system performance and security.

Where are hidden files and how do they work?

Hidden files are typically located in system folders or application directories. For instance:

  • On Windows, hidden files might be found in the "AppData" folder or system directories like "ProgramData."
  • On macOS, files starting with a dot (e.g., ".bash_profile") are hidden by default.
  • On Linux, configuration files in the home directory, such as ".bashrc" or ".profile," are also hidden.

Besides, other hidden files are that you set to hide by purpose, and the place is where you set.

Hidden files work by using special settings that make them invisible. On systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, files can be marked as hidden so they don't show up when you browse folders. This helps keep important system files safe from being accidentally changed or deleted.

Is it OK to delete hidden files?

Deleting hidden files can be risky as they often contain critical system configurations or application settings.

Removing such files without proper knowledge can lead to software malfunctions or system instability. It is advisable to only delete hidden files if you are certain of their purpose and have created a backup.

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How to show or hide hidden files?

Here's how to show or hide hidden files and folders on Mac and Windows:

Show Hidden Files on Mac 

  1. Open Finder. 
  2. Press Command + Shift + . (period). 
  3. Hidden files will appear (they usually look faded). 

Hide Hidden Files on Mac 

  1. Press Command + Shift + . (period) again. 
  2. The hidden files will disappear.

Show Hidden Files on Windows: 

  1. Open File Explorer. 
  2. Click the View tab at the top. 
  3. Check the box Show > Hidden items. 
     
  4. Hidden files will now be visible (they appear slightly faded).

Hide Hidden Files on Windows

  1. Go back to the View tab. 
  2. Uncheck the box for Hidden items. 
  3. The hidden files will no longer be visible.

You can also hide files on external hard drives, using the similar methods above. You can share these ways to help more users.

Reasons for Hiding Files

There are several reasons why files are hidden:

  • System protection: Prevent accidental modification or deletion of critical files.
  • Privacy and security: Hide sensitive information from unauthorized access.
  • User experience: Keep the interface uncluttered by concealing files that are not relevant for everyday use.

Hidden files play a vital role in maintaining system integrity and security. By understanding how they function and how to manage their visibility, hope that you can better protect their systems and enhance their computing experience.