How to Find the AppData Folder on Windows 10 and 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to find the AppData folder on your Windows 11 and Windows 10 PC. Locating the AppData folder can be tricky because it’s hidden by default.

We’ll walk you through the exact steps to access it and recover it if it’s missing. Follow the steps below to identify and restore the AppData folder on your system quickly.

How to Find and Restore the Missing AppData Folder in Windows 10/11

1. Locate the Appdata/LocalLow folder

Another point to keep in mind is that this folder is hidden. So, if you are trying to access it normally, you will probably not see it in the system. Just to make sure the folders are indeed missing, follow the instructions below, and let’s see if you can find them:

1. Go to Start > type %appdata% without the quotes, of course

   

2. Select the folder that appears as the first result (it should take you to the Roaming folder).

   

3. If it takes you to the following path: “C:Users[The user that you are logged in with]AppDataRoaming” then it means that your folders are still there but they are hidden.
4. Click on the AppData in the Explorer path on the upper side of the screen and check if you have a LocalLow folder there as well.
5. If it doesn’t take you to the path specified above, follow the instructions below.

If you want a clearer understanding of how this directory works, check out this detailed guide on what the AppData folder in Windows is and why it’s essential for your apps.

If storage is also a concern, see our guide on AppData folder too big for ways to safely reduce its size.

2. Recover the Appdata/LocalLow folder by using a restore point

1. Go to Start > type Control Panel without the quotes.
2. After the search is finished, click on the Control Panel icon.
3. From the upper side in the Control Panel window, select the Search box > write Recovery.

   

4. Press the Enter button on the keyboard.
5. Select the Open system restore feature.
6. Now you need to follow the on-screen instructions and get your operating system back to a point in time when the folders were not missing, and you will have disappeared folders available.

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3. Hide extensions in File Explorer

If you still can’t locate the Appdata/LocalLow folders, try changing your File Explorer Settings.
Disabling the options Hide extensions for known file type and Hide protected Operating System files may help you fix the problem.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Click on Start button > type File Explorer Options > double-click on the first result
2. Select the View tab > scroll down and locate these two options:
   • Hide extensions for known file type
   • Hide protected Operating System files
3. Remove the checkmark for both options > hit Apply > OK.

4. Create a new user account

1. Go to Start > select Settings > Accounts > Family & other people > Add someone else to this PC.

   

2. Enter a user name, password as well as password hint >  select Next.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

5. Run SFC scan

1. Go to Start > type cmd > right-click on Command Prompt > select Run as administrator
2. Run the sfc /scannow command > hit Enter

   

3. Wait until the scanning process completes and then restart your computer.

Make sure that this problem is not caused by corrupted or missing system files. This is why we’ve run a System File Checker scan to quickly detect and fix such problems.

FAQ

So there you have it, 5 ways to bring back your Appdata/LocalLow folder in  Windows 10 in just a few minutes of your time. Also, if you encounter any particular trouble along the way, drop us a line in the comments below, and we will help you further.

Next, select the View tab and, in Advanced settings, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives and click OK.