By default, Microsoft Windows hides certain system files and folders from the user’s view in order to keep us from accidentally altering, moving or deleting a file and end up crippling our PCs.

But there are times when it’s necessary to be able to see the hidden files and folders (such as while we’re troubleshooting Windows problems and removing malware).

It has always been possible to temporarily turn off the “Hidden Files an Folders” setting, but the way we do so has changed in Windows 8.1 (and in Windows 8 which preceded it). Follow these steps to display hidden files and folders in Windows 8 and 8.1:  [Read more…]