Your Windows computer is generally secured with a password or biometric protection, but that does not guarantee complete safety against unauthorized access. Whether your device is stolen while left open in a café or your child wants to play a game for a while, knowing how to hide files and folders in Windows can be highly beneficial.
Hidden files do not appear during regular browsing, making them difficult for others to locate. Windows offers a built-in method for hiding files using File Explorer, while third-party software provides even stronger security.
By default, Windows hides certain system files to prevent accidental modification or deletion. However, if you wish to hide personal files or folders, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the file or folder you want to hide.
- Go to Properties.
- In the General tab, check the “Hidden” option.
- Click “OK” to save the settings.
Once hidden, the file or folder will not be visible in File Explorer and will also remain undetectable when opening files through different software.
However, this is not the most secure method, as an experienced user can easily unhide these files. For stronger protection, using third-party encryption software is recommended.
To view hidden files again, follow these steps:
- Open any File Explorer window.
- Click on the three-dot menu in the toolbar.
- Navigate to Options.
- Under the View tab, enable “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.”
- Click “OK” to apply the changes.
While this method offers basic privacy, it is advisable to use additional security tools for highly sensitive data.
