Windows has a feature to hide some files like configuration files. Typically these files start with a period (`.`.) As a developer, you will often need to access these files (for example to update your `.gitignore` file). 1. Open Windows Explorer. 2. Click the three dots and select **Options** (or **Folder Options** on older versions of Windows). 3. Under the **View** tab, uncheck the box for *Hide extensions for known file types*. While you're there, also [[show hidden files]] by selecting the option *Show hidden files, folders, and drives* in the **Hidden files and folders** group and uncheck *Select files with checkbox*.