Can't see ProgramData folder


  1. bobland
    Posts : 10
    Windows 7 sp1
       New #1

    Can't see ProgramData folder


    The ProgramData folder is not displayed in Explorer. I can search for programs that currently exist in this directory but can't access it. Any clues or how to proceed?
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  3. lx07
    Posts : 5,478
    2004
       New #2

    You need to show hidden folders as described here Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives - Show in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

    Programs are not installed in this directory though - they are normally in "Program Files" and (if you are running 64 bit Windows) "Program Files (x86)".
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  4. Brink
    Posts : 68,880
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #3

    Hello bobland, :)

    ProgramData is a hidden system folder, and is not displayed by default.

    If you like, you can type %ProgramData% in Run (Win+R) or the address bar of File Explorer and press Enter to quickly open it.
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  6. bobland
    Posts : 10
    Windows 7 sp1
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    lx07 said:
    You need to show hidden folders as described here Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives - Show in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

    Programs are not installed in this directory though - they are normally in "Program Files" and (if you are running 64 bit Windows) "Program Files (x86)".
    I have a number of programs that install to this directory by default...Ableton Live, as an example plus all of my NVidia drivers among others.

    I used the included link to allow viewing of this folder.
    Thanks to all for the quick response and solvable solution.
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  7. Brink
    Posts : 68,880
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #5

    Glad we could help. :)
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  8. bdumaguina
    Posts : 3
    windows 10
       New #6

    I understand this is a solved thread, but this solution works only for the first Administrator account created. On a second Administrator User Account, ProgramData still does not show up. Similar to OP, I have several programs installed there that I want to be accessed by several Users. Thanks.
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  9. lx07
    Posts : 5,478
    2004
       New #7

    bdumaguina said:
    I understand this is a solved thread, but this solution works only for the first Administrator account created. On a second Administrator User Account, ProgramData still does not show up. Similar to OP, I have several programs installed there that I want to be accessed by several Users. Thanks.
    You have to repeat the process for each user.

    Alternatively you could make a shortcut for each of the programs you have installed in %programdata% and put it in %programfiles% which is visible to all users by default.
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  10. tjblanchard
    Posts : 1
    win 10
       New #8

    bobland said:
    The ProgramData folder is not displayed in Explorer. I can search for programs that currently exist in this directory but can't access it. Any clues or how to proceed?
    where is my disk1.cab folder?
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