Hiding folders in Windows 10 can be pretty handy when you want to keep certain files private or just reduce clutter. It’s a quick process that involves changing some settings in the File Explorer. By following a few straightforward steps, you can make your folders invisible to others who might use your computer.
How to Hide Folder in Windows 10
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the steps to hide a folder in Windows 10. By the end, your selected folder will be hidden from plain sight but still easily accessible when you need it.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
To start, we need to open File Explorer.
You can do this by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing Win + E on your keyboard. File Explorer is where you’ll find all your folders and files.
Step 2: Navigate to the Folder
Next, find the folder you want to hide.
Browse through your files and folders until you locate the one you want to make invisible.
Step 3: Right-click the Folder
Once you’ve found it, right-click on the folder.
This right-click will open a context menu with several options related to the folder.
Step 4: Click on Properties
In the context menu, click on “Properties”.
A new window will pop up, showing various settings and details about the folder.
Step 5: Check the Hidden Option
In the Properties window, check the box next to “Hidden”.
This tells Windows to hide the folder from view in File Explorer.
Step 6: Apply Changes
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.
You may be asked whether you want to apply the changes to the folder only or to the folder and all its contents. Choose the option that fits your needs.
After completing these steps, your folder will be hidden. To view it again, you need to change the settings in File Explorer to show hidden files and folders.
Tips for Hiding Folders in Windows 10
- Use Hidden Attributes: Use hidden attributes on folders that you don’t access frequently to reduce clutter in your File Explorer.
- Show Hidden Files: To view your hidden folder, go to the View tab in File Explorer and check the box for “Hidden items”.
- Password Protection: For sensitive information, consider using password protection in addition to hiding the folder.
- Use System Folders: Hide your folder within system folders like Program Files for added security.
- Backup Important Files: Always keep a backup of important files whether they are hidden or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiding a folder in Windows 10 secure?
Hiding a folder can deter casual snoopers, but it’s not foolproof. For sensitive data, consider encryption or password protection.
How do I unhide a folder?
To unhide a folder, go to File Explorer, click the View tab, and check “Hidden items”. Then, navigate to the hidden folder, right-click, choose Properties, and uncheck the Hidden box.
Will hidden folders be accessible via search?
No, hidden folders won’t appear in search results unless you set Windows to show hidden files.
Can I hide multiple folders at once?
Yes, you can select multiple folders, right-click, and follow the same steps to hide them all at once.
Does hiding a folder affect its content?
No, hiding a folder doesn’t affect the files inside it. They remain intact and accessible when you choose to unhide the folder.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the folder.
- Right-click the folder.
- Click on Properties.
- Check the Hidden option.
- Apply changes.
Conclusion
Hiding a folder in Windows 10 is a simple way to keep certain files out of sight, whether for privacy or organization. This method is quick and doesn’t require any additional software. However, it’s important to remember that while hiding a folder can deter snoopers, it isn’t a strong security measure on its own. For truly sensitive data, consider combining hidden folders with other security features such as encryption or password protection.
If you often need to hide and unhide folders, you might want to create a shortcut to quickly show hidden files. This way, you can easily access your hidden folders when needed without going through the Properties window each time.
If this guide helped you or if you have more questions about Windows 10 and its features, feel free to explore more tutorials or leave a comment. We’re here to help you make the most out of your computer!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.