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How Do I Make Ghost Files Disappear From View?

Ash 0 Reputation points
2026-05-15T01:52:43.9033333+00:00

I am familiar with the question of drop down folders - I want that. They were previously hidden thanks to the forced Windows 11 update. I managed to bring the folder drop back, however now I see all these hidden "ghost" folders. I didn't used to have that problem, I really miss the ease of use on the old system. Does anybody know how to resolve this?

As you can see, some files are normal - the ones I mainly use. Others are faded - the program files. I don't need those out, and I don't know how to hide them. This wasn't an issue before. (Idk why the image cropped so small, sorry). I already have "hide hidden folders."

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

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  1. DaveM121 876.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-15T05:12:22.7066667+00:00

    Click the 3 dots at the top of File Explorer and select Options.

    On the resulting dialog, select the View tab.

    Scroll down and enable this setting - 'Hide protected operating system files (recommended)', then click Apply and OK.

    That should hide the faded folders and files, if not, please provide a screenshot of what you are seeing in File Explorer.

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-05-15T01:52:57.3333333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The faded “ghost” folders and files are hidden or system items that are currently being shown in File Explorer. To hide them again, turn off the option to show hidden items.

    Use one of these methods (depending on how the setting was enabled):

    Method 1: From File Explorer (Windows 11)

    1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar or Start > File Explorer.
    2. On the command bar, select View.
    3. Select Show.
    4. Clear (uncheck) Hidden items.

    This will hide hidden files and folders so the faded “ghost” entries disappear from view.

    Method 2: From File Explorer Options (if changed via Settings)

    1. Right-click the Start menu and select Settings.
    2. Go to Update & Security > For developers.
    3. Under File Explorer, select Show settings next to Change settings to show hidden and system files.
    4. In the File Explorer Options window, under Advanced settings, select Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives.
    5. Select Apply.

    After this, only normal (non-hidden) folders and files will be visible, and the faded “ghost” items will no longer appear.

    References:

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