Show Hidden Windows

Show Hidden Windows is a small tool that checks for possible hidden processes. If you are curious to see what apps are running in the background, this program could prove useful. For example, one might be able to identify malicious software or the less harmful hangs that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Once you’ve got access to the executable, simply run that and the app will launch. Searching for hidden processes is an automatic action, so a list with detected items will be offered instantly. Under the app's logo, one can see the total number of hidden 'windows'. The identified process comes with three data sets. First, the position of the item is disclosed, using numeral coordinates. The size of the windows is also accounted for, as well as the class name.

Besides the size of the window, which could be or not be helpful information, the position and class name seem to be details that not all types of users might pinpoint. In short, users with more technical knowledge might get a better understating of what the app is bringing to the surface. This aspect is also backed up by straightforward the app is, as there are no tooltips or a help manual.

Each result can be selected and its window exposed. Click the Show button to reveal a hidden item. During our test, we noticed that all windows appear in the upper-left corner of the screen, minimized close to nothing. Each window must be manually dragged and resized before viewing its contents.

In the end, Show Hidden Windows is an interesting tool that deals with a problem not everybody thinks about. While it looks like it has been designed for finding out hung Windows processes, a keen eye can also discover malware or other unwanted executables.