Description
Certain files are stored in hidden folders on your computer, such as in the user Library folder on macOS or in the App Data or Program Data folder on Windows. Read this article and follow the instructions if you need to access these files or folders.
Solution
macOS—open the Library folder
- Click the Finder icon in dock to make it the active application
- In the Go menu, hold the Option key on your keyboard and Library will appear midway down the menu.
- Click Library and the folder will open in a Finder window.
Alternatively,
- Click the Finder icon in dock to make it the active application
- Visit Go > Go to Folder and type: ~/Library
Windows–show and access hidden files
Windows 11
Open File Explorer. Click View on the toolbar, then Show, then check Hidden items to show them. The hidden folders will appear with a pale color.
Windows 8 and 10
This option is easily accessible in File Explorer on Windows 8 and 10.
Click the View tab on File Explorer’s ribbon and click the Hidden Items checkbox in the Show/hide section. File Explorer will immediately show hidden files and will remember this setting until you change it.
Windows 7
Go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options. On Windows 8 and 10, it’s named File Explorer Options instead.