All operating systems, regardless of whether they are found on a mobile device, a console, a smart TV and what are commonly called computers, are managed by a series of files, which they are not only in charge of managing the system boot, but also that they offer us a number of different functions.
Of all the files that make up the operating system, these are classified according to their function. Those corresponding to the boot system, in most cases are hidden, not only so that they are not accessible to users, but also so that users are not tempted to modify them. Here we show you how to view hidden files on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.
But this type of files, we can also use them in our favor, if we use devices shared with other users but we want to have our information safe, at least visually, as long as the rest of the users do not know where we have been able to store our private folder, by calling it somehow.
Natively, all operating systems do not show hidden files, although yes we have the option to see them, if we carry out a series of operations that we detail below. Keep in mind that each operating system is completely different, so the steps of one will not work in another.
The only reason operating system manufacturers and developers hide certain files is to prevent them from being available to users. In this way, by avoiding the temptation, it is largely avoided that the user could put the integrity of the system at risk when editing or deleting these types of files.
View hidden files on Mac
The hidden files of macOS, just like UNIX-based operating systems, are preceded by a period (.), so that it is very easy to locate them once we have activated the option that allows us to show all the files that are hidden in the system.
Unlike in Windows, the process to show hidden files on the system it's a bit complex, but if you follow the steps that we detail, you will not have any problem.
- First we open the Terminal application.
- In the terminal line, we write the following text defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
- For the changes to take effect, we must restart the Finder through the command KillAll Finder
If we want to avoid that the hidden files are shown we must write the same command in terminal, but instead of TRUE, modify it to FALSE: defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE
How to hide files on Mac
All operating systems allow us to hide files, although as a general rule, the process can be more or less complicated. On macOS, the process requires, once again, the use of the Terminal application. To hide a file on Mac we must perform the following steps:
- First we open the application Port.
- Next, we go to the path where the file is located that we want to hide.
- Once we are in the directory where the file to be hidden is located, we write the following command: chflags hidden filename.
View hidden files in Windows
Despite the fact that macOS has always been characterized as an operating system simple to useSometimes, like this, it is shown that this is not the case. If we want to see the hidden files of Windows, we must proceed as follows:
- First of all we must open the Windows Explorer.
- Next, we go to the tab Vista.
- Next, we must check the box Hidden elements. In this way, all the hidden files available on our computer will be shown.
If we want these not to be shown, we just have to retrace our steps and uncheck that box. Hidden files will be displayed in a lighter tone than usual, so that we can differentiate them from files that are not hidden.
How to hide files in Windows
Hiding files in Windows is a very simple process, since at no time does it require us to go to the command line. If we want hide a file or file folder we must follow the following steps:
- First, we head up to the folder or file that we want hidden.
- Next, we place ourselves on top of the file and with the right button the mouse click on it.
- From among all the options that it offers us, we select Properties.
- At the bottom we must check the box Hidden.
View hidden files on Android
The hidden files that are found both in the internal storage of the devices, as well as those that we can find in the memory card, they are very easy to identify since they all start with a period followed by the name of the folder. To show these types of files within the Android ecosystem, we must follow the following steps:
- First of all we must go to the file manager corresponding (all smartphones integrate one natively).
- Next, we go to the system root folder, either from the internal storage unit or on the memory card (where the hidden files we want to access are located).
- Next, click on the file manager options and select Show hidden files.
Keep in mind that for this option to appear, we should not select previously no folder, since the options that it will show us will be totally different and will be related to file management.
View hidden files on iPhone
iOS is a completely closed ecosystem, so we do not have access to the storage system at any time files, at least natively or through applications available in the App Store. The only way to access the directory system of our iPhone is if our device has the jailbreak.
If so, the only application that allows us to access the file system to see which are the hidden files of the system is iFile, an excellent application with which we can manage the files of our devices. Of course, we must be very careful with what we do, because if we do not know what we are doing, we can turn the iPhone into a very expensive paperweight.
View hidden files in Linux
Flickr: Susan Podra
Despite the large number of Linux distributions available to us on the Internet, this operating system has failed to become a real alternative to Windows or macOS. Linux has always been characterized, at least for many users, as being a somewhat complex operating systemor, which obviously has not helped its expansion.
- First of all, we must access the application Port.
- Next, we go to the directory in question and write the command: ls -a
The system will show us a list with All the files found in the folder. Hidden files will be shown with a dot in front.
How to hide files in Linux
To hide files in Linux, we just have to add a period to the beginning of the file name. To do this we must use the command ww, via the Terminal app, and be located in the folder where the file that we want to hide is located. If you don't know how to use the mv command, then we show you an example.
mv actualidadgadget.txt .actualidadgadget.txt
As you can see, we must write the name of the command, mv, followed by the current name of the file and then write the name that we want have the file to rename.