Quick Answer: To open the AppData folder in Windows, press Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter — this opens the Roaming folder inside AppData. For the Local folder, use %localappdata%. The full path is C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData, and the folder is hidden by default.
What Is the AppData Folder?
AppData (Application Data) is a hidden Windows folder that stores per-user settings, configuration files, caches, and data for the programs installed on your PC — things like browser profiles, app preferences, and saved sessions. Each Windows user account has its own AppData folder.
The Fastest Way to Open AppData
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type one of these and press Enter:
| Type this in Run | Opens |
|---|---|
%appdata% | AppData\Roaming |
%localappdata% | AppData\Local |
%userprofile%\AppData | The AppData folder itself (all three subfolders) |
The same shortcuts work if you type them into the File Explorer address bar or the Start menu search.
The Three AppData Subfolders (Roaming, Local, LocalLow)
- Roaming — settings that follow your user account across machines on a domain network (e.g. browser profiles, app configs). Opened with
%appdata%. - Local — data tied to a specific machine that doesn’t roam (caches, temp files, larger data). Opened with
%localappdata%. - LocalLow — like Local but for low-integrity apps (e.g. browsers in protected mode, some games and plugins).
How to Find the LocalLow Folder
LocalLow doesn’t have its own environment variable, but you can open it instantly with:
%userprofile%\AppData\LocalLowPaste that into the Run dialog (Win + R) or File Explorer’s address bar and press Enter.
Find AppData Manually (Show Hidden Files)
AppData is hidden by default. To browse to it manually:
- Open File Explorer and go to
C:\Users\YourUsername. - Click the View menu → Show → tick Hidden items (Windows 11), or View → check Hidden items (Windows 10).
- The AppData folder now appears — open it to see Roaming, Local, and LocalLow.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11
The AppData location and the %appdata% / %localappdata% shortcuts are identical in Windows 10 and Windows 11. The only difference is where the “Hidden items” checkbox lives in File Explorer (under the View menu in both, just styled differently).
A Word of Caution
AppData contains files programs rely on. It’s safe to browse, but don’t delete folders unless you know what an app stores there — removing the wrong folder can reset settings or break an application.
Working across platforms? You might also like our guides on installing PIP on Windows and setting environment variables in Linux.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open the AppData folder?
Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter to open the Roaming folder, or %localappdata% for the Local folder.
Where is the AppData folder located?
At C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData. It is hidden by default, so enable “Hidden items” in File Explorer to see it.
What is the difference between Roaming and Local AppData?
Roaming data can follow your account across networked machines; Local data stays on the specific computer and includes caches and larger files.
How do I find the LocalLow folder?
Open Run (Win + R) and paste %userprofile%\AppData\LocalLow, then press Enter.
