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Only search for hidden files in Windows 11 File Explorer search bar

Anonymous
2023-12-30T14:58:11+00:00

Hello,

I want to search my entire PC for any hidden files that I may need to transfer from my old computer (mainly due to how Minecraft Java Edition saves in AppData; which is hidden). Is it possible to only search for hidden files in the search bar? I have tried "attributes:Hidden" from a post made ~3-4 years ago but it did not work for me.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-02T07:31:22+00:00

    You can try the following search steps:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Click on the search bar at the top right corner of the window.
    3. Type "hidden:yes" (without the quotes) in the search bar and press Enter.
    4. Windows will now search for all hidden files on your PC.

    Note that this search will only show hidden files that are indexed by Windows. If you have files that are hidden but not indexed, they will not show up in the search results.

    Or you can use the Command Prompt to search for hidden folders/files: Run Command Prompt as an administrator ("Win" logo key + "Q" to open Search box*, type"Command Prompt", select "Run as administrator"), and copy and paste the following commands into the* Command Prompt and press Enter to run one by one.

    cd c:\windows 

dir /a:h

    cd is used to switch to the target directory/folder, please replace it according to your situation.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-03T09:28:45+00:00

    Hello Mosken,

    Thank you for the help, typing "hidden:yes" (without quotations) unfortunately did not work for me, but using "dir /a:h" did end up working.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-11T01:44:39+00:00

    Glad to be able to help you and thank you for your details.

    If you have any other questions related to Microsoft products, you can post your question in the corresponding section of this forum, and we will try our best to help you.

    Have a good day!

    Best Regards,

    Mosken_L - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-01T10:08:30+00:00

    Hello Mosken,

    1. Here is my Windows version:
      Edition Windows 11 Pro

    Version 23H2

    Installed on ‎14/‎12/‎2023

    OS build 22631.2861

    Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22681.1000.0

    1. I have already made hidden files appear on this computer using this solution.

    I am wondering if it is possible to do something similar to the image below; searching for something that would make it so I can see most if not all hidden files on my PC. This is so I can backup the hidden files onto my drive before I fresh wipe the old PC.

    As stated before, I saw someone say "attributes:Hidden" would work (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-search-search-for-only-hidden-files/382f6e1a-fe53-4929-bca3-e44b7969fccf) which unfortunately didn't work. So I was wanting to know if this is just because it is an outdated trick.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-31T08:58:48+00:00

    Hello ,

    Good to see you in Microsoft Community.

    Firstly, could you let me know the specific system version (OS Build)? You can check it by pressing Win + X > System > Windows specifications*, click “Copy” and paste it in your next reply*.

    You can follow the steps below to make system hidden files/folders visible and then copy the related files manually. Win + R to open "Run", type "Control folders" to open the File Explorer Options*, switch to the "View" tab, then check "Show hidden files, folders or drivers", then* OK*.*

    Meanwhile, you can follow the steps below to open the configuration file related to Minecraft Java Edition: Win + R open Run window, and type "%APPDATA%.minecraft*" in it, and press* Enter*.*

    If anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Best Regards,

    Mosken_L - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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