is it safe to unhide the appdata folder

First thing I do when I set up any new Windows installation is go through File Explorer > View > Options > Change folder and search options > View tab > and make the following changes
- Show hidden files, folders and drives (AppData is automatically revealed with this setting)
Also
- untick Hide empty drives
- untick Hide extensions for known file types (absolutely ridiculous that this is hidden !!!)
(- untick Hide folder merge conflicts, if I've a mind to).

Acronis True Image would back those file up just fine. You don't have to unhide anything.

I also agree with @idgat, I do the same this as I hate not being able to see all files and extensions on my computer.

Like Ztrucker, I also want to see everything.

@idgat's list missed out one that I also change. I un-tick 'Hide protected operating system files (recommended)'.

An Acronis True Image system image would back up everything, hidden or not. But I suppose if you are doing a files and folders backup then you need to be able to browse for them. In that case setting Explorer to show hidden files would be sufficient, no need to actually un-hide the AppData folder.

Hello @Funjunkie6,

I also like to see the AppData Folder and the Hidden Files & Folders etc.

There is a Tutorial for this => How to Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives in Windows 10

Also. if you look at Post #14 in the above Tutorial, you will see that I setup a REG file for them.

I use one of the following setups . . .



I hope this helps.