How to Hide Files and Folders on Windows

Hiding files and folders on Windows can be useful for keeping sensitive information private or decluttering your workspace. Windows provides built-in methods to hide files and folders, and there are also third-party tools for additional security. In this article, we'll explore different methods to hide files and folders on Windows and how to access them when needed.

 
1. Using Windows File Explorer

Windows File Explorer has a built-in feature to hide files and folders easily. Here’s how you can do it:

 
Hiding a File or Folder

1. Locate the File/Folder: Open File Explorer and navigate to the file or folder you want to hide.
2. Right-click the File/Folder: Select Properties from the context menu.
3. Check the Hidden Option: In the General tab, find the Attributes section and check the Hidden box.
4. Apply Changes: Click Apply and then OK.

By default, the file or folder will disappear from view unless hidden files are set to be displayed.

 
Showing Hidden Files and Folders

If you need to access hidden files or folders, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the View tab in the ribbon (Windows 10/11) or go to Folder Options (Windows 7).
3. Check the Hidden items box under the Show/hide section.

Your hidden files and folders will now be visible.

 
2. Using Command Prompt (attrib Command)

Windows also provides a command-line method to hide files and folders using the attrib command.

 
Hiding a File or Folder Using Command Prompt

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. Navigate to the folder where your file/folder is located using cd (e.g., cd C:\Users\YourName\Documents).
3. Type the following command to hide a file or folder: attrib +h +s "FileOrFolderName"

Example: attrib +h +s "SecretFolder"

• +h: Hides the file or folder.
• +s: Makes it a system file (extra protection).

Unhiding the File or Folder

To make the hidden file/folder visible again, use: 

attrib -h -s "FileOrFolderName"

This method ensures the file or folder remains hidden, even when "Show hidden files" is enabled in File Explorer.

 
3. Using Windows Registry (Advanced Method)

For more advanced users, the Windows Registry can be used to hide folders effectively.

 
Hiding a Folder Using the Registry

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden
3. Locate the key named Hidden and change its value to 2 to hide all hidden files permanently.
4. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Note: Be cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can affect system performance.

 
4. Using Third-Party Software

For additional security, third-party applications can be used to hide and encrypt files. Some popular tools include:

• Wise Folder Hider – Allows password protection and deep file hiding.
• Folder Lock – Encrypts and hides files with advanced security.
• Hidden File Manager – Lightweight tool for managing hidden files.

5. Using BitLocker for Enhanced Security

If you want to secure files rather than just hiding them, BitLocker (available in Windows Pro and Enterprise editions) can encrypt entire drives:

1. Open Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption.
2. Select the drive you want to encrypt and click Turn on BitLocker.
3. Follow the setup wizard and choose a password or recovery key.

This ensures that only authorized users can access the files.

 
Conclusion

Hiding files and folders on Windows can be done using several methods, from simple File Explorer settings to advanced command-line and registry techniques. If you need stronger security, third-party software and BitLocker encryption provide additional protection. Choose the method that best suits your needs, and always remember how to unhide your files when needed.