How to Check a PC for Hidden Media Files

People often hide photos, videos, and files in plain sight—or bury them in obscure folders or renamed file types. Whether you’re conducting a digital investigation or auditing your own machine, here’s how to uncover what’s hidden.

✅ 1. Reveal Hidden Files and Folders

By default, Windows hides certain files. To reveal them:

• Windows 10/11: Open File Explorer, click the View tab, and check Hidden items.
• Look in areas like C:\Users\[Name]\AppData\Local and C:\ProgramData.

✅ 2. Use Search Filters for Media Types

Use File Explorer to search for specific file extensions:

• *.jpg, *.png, *.mp4, *.mov – Common media files
• *.zip, *.rar – Look for compressed folders with hidden content

✅ 3. Look for Renamed Files

Suspicious users may rename files to disguise them (e.g., changing .jpg to .txt). Use a forensic search tool to catch these tactics.

🔎 Recommended Tools & Tech

• Recuva File Recovery Software – Restore deleted or hidden files on a PC.
• External Hard Drive – Backup all relevant media before analysis.
• USB Keylogger Device – Capture input data from the user to reveal how files were accessed or moved.

✅ 4. Check Recently Accessed Files

Press Windows Key + R and type recent to view files recently opened. This can reveal folders or files not usually visible.

✅ 5. Investigate Media Players

Open programs like Windows Media Player or VLC and view the recent media list. Users often forget these leave a breadcrumb trail.

📝 Final Thoughts

Hidden files don’t always stay hidden—especially if you know where to look. Be thorough, take screenshots, and always document where and when you found each file for later reference.