How to Hide Files and Folders in Windows 11

Your computer houses a trove of personal data, from cherished photos to confidential documents. But what if you need to keep some files under lock and key, away from prying eyes? Worry not! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to hide files and folders in Windows 11.

You can hide files using Windows Settings, through Command Line software, Indexing Options, and more. Let’s look at each method in detail.

Method 1: Conceal Files and Folders via Windows Settings

If you’re looking for a method to hide sensitive files and folders on a desktop running on Windows 11, the operating system offers a built-in solution through its Settings app. The simplest and quickest way to prevent them from appearing in the search results is by modifying the privacy configurations in Windows settings.

Step 1: Click the Windows icon. In the search box, type Settings and choose Open.

Step 2: Head to the Privacy & Security tab and click Searching Windows.

Step 3: Click on ‘Add an excluded folder’.

Step 4: Locate the folder you want to hide, and once done, click the Select Folder button.

Also Read: How to open the Settings app on Windows 11.

Method 2: Hide Files and Folders Using Windows Indexing Options

While not directly hiding files from view, Windows Indexing Options offers a method to prevent specific content from appearing in search results, effectively enhancing privacy. Follow the steps below to hide files and folders in Windows 11 using the Windows indexing options:

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon; in the search box, write Indexing options and hit Enter on your keyboard.

Step 2: Click on the Advanced button and click Yes when the pop-up appears.

Step 3: Go to the File Types tab and search for the file you want to hide. Once found, uncheck the box next to it and click OK.

Method 3: With the Help of File Explorer

File Explorer is a fundamental component of the Windows operating system that serves as a graphical user interface, allowing you to navigate and manage your files and folders. Additionally, hiding photos, videos, and other files in a folder using it is easy. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press Windows + S on your keyboard. Type This PC and click Open.

Step 2: Navigate to the file or folder you want to hide. Right-click on it and choose Properties.

Step 3: Ensure that you are in the General tab. Check the box next to Hidden and click Apply.

Step 4: If you’re trying to hide a folder, you may see a pop-up window. Pick any of the following: ‘Apply changes to this folder only’ or ‘Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files’, and select OK.

Note: If you hide a file, select Apply, followed by OK.

This should hide the files and folders on your computer. However, if they are still visible in a transparent view, the folder options in File Explorer might not be configured to show hidden files and folders. Don’t worry. Follow the quick steps below and make them invisible:

Step 1: Click the three-dot icon in the toolbar and select Options.

Step 2: Navigate to the View tab and ensure that the radio button next to ‘Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives’ is selected. Once done, click Apply and press OK.

Also Read: How to fix File Explorer not working on Windows 11

Method 4: Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is a text-based interface in Windows that allows you to interact with the system by entering commands. For advanced users, it offers a strong tool for several tasks, from system setups to basic file management. Adhere to the easy steps below to hide files and folders in Windows using CMD.

Step 1: Click the Windows icon. In the search box, type Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Select Yes in the prompt box.

Step 2: Navigate to the folder containing the files or folders. Type the below command and hit Enter:

cd [file/folder path]

Note: Instead of [file/folder path], add the path. To find the file path, right-click on the file or folder you want to hide and click Copy as path. Now, paste it into the CMD window.

Step 3: To hide a file, enter the following command and press Enter:

attrib +h +s “filename.ext”

Note: Replace “filename.ext” with the name of the file you want to hide.

Step 4: To hide a folder, write the following command and press Enter.

attrib +h “folder name”

Note: Replace “folder name” with the name of the folder you want to hide.

Step 5: To hide all subfolders and subfiles at once, navigate inside the folder you want to hide using the cd command.

Step 6: Type the following command and press Enter:

attrib +h /s /d *.

Also Read: How to open Command Prompt on Windows 11, 10, and earlier

Code Explanation

Here is what the commands above mean:

• cd stands for change directory.
• attrib is used to view and modify file attributes.
• The +h attribute sets the file or folder as hidden.
• The +s attribute makes it a system file, further obscuring it.

Method 5: Hide Files and Folders via PowerShell

PowerShell is a strong tool made by Microsoft for making tasks easier on your computer. It helps with organizing and managing settings. You can also use it to hide files and folders on your desktop.

Step 1: Press Windows + S on your keyboard. Type PowerShell and click Run as administrator. When prompted, select Yes.

Step 2: Type the command below and press Enter to hide a single file or folder.

attrib +h “file path”

Note: Replace “file path” with the exact path for the file you want to hide.

Step 3: Enter the following command and hit Enter to hide all files and subfolders within a directory.

attrib +h “folder path” /s /d

Note: Replace “folder path” with the exact path for the folder you want to hide. It hides all subfiles and subfolders.

Code Explanation

Here’s an explanation for the code above:

• /s: Applies the attribute to all files and subfolders within the directory.
• /d: Applies the attribute to directories themselves.

Also Read: How to fix PowerShell not opening on Windows 11

Method 6: Hide an Entire Drive

There are situations where you might want to keep certain data private, like family photos or sensitive work documents stored on a disk. Follow any of the three ways below to hide an entire drive on your Windows device.

Using the Registry Editor

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard. In the search box, type Registry Editor and select Run as administrator. When prompted, choose Yes from the pop-up.

Step 2: Paste the following path in the Registry Editor’s address bar and hit Enter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Step 3: Ensure that Explorer is selected. Right-click on it and select New. Now, choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value from the options.

Step 4: Rename the file to NoDrives and press Enter to save it.

Step 5: Open the new NoDrives file by double-clicking on it. Under the Base section, choose Decimal. Now, use the table below to find the value, as it represents various drives with their values.

Step 6: Depending on the drive you want to hide, enter a number in the Value box from the table above. Once done, click OK and restart your device.

Using the Disk Management Utility

Step 1: Right-click on the Windows icon and head to Disk Management from the options.

Step 2: Now, right-click on the driver you wish to hide and choose ‘Change Drive Letter and Paths’.

Step 3: Ensure that the driver letter is selected, and then press the Remove button.

Step 4: Confirm the change by clicking Yes on the pop-up window and select OK.

Also Read: How to fix Disk Management not loading on Windows

Hide Drives Via Command Prompt

Step 1: On your keyboard, press the Windows + S keys. Write Command Prompt in the search box and click Run as Administrator. When prompted, choose Yes.

Step 2: Enter the command below and hit Enter to head to the Disk Parts on the Windows device.

diskpart

Step 3: Now, type the following command and press Enter to check the available drives.

list volume

Step 4: Choose the disk you want to remove from the list and note the volume number of the disk. Once ready, type the following and hit Enter.

select volume [volume number]

Note: Replace the [volume number] with the number next to the drive you wish to hide.

Step 5: Finally, to hide the drive, enter the following command and press Enter.

remove letter=[letter denoting the drive you want to hide]

Also Read: How to fix to Command Prompt not working on Windows 11

FAQs on Hiding Files and Folders in Windows

1. Do hidden files get backed up automatically?

It depends on the software you’re using. Some backup programs back up hidden files by default, while others need you to select them for inclusion manually. Check your backup software’s settings to see how hidden files are handled.

2. Can I hide system files on Windows?

Yes, you can hide Windows system-protected files. However, we don’t recommend you to do so.

3. Is hiding files effective against malware or hackers?

No, hiding files is not an effective security measure against malware or hackers.

4. Can I hide a folder in Windows 11 with a password?

No, you cannot hide a folder in Windows 11 with a password.

Files Secured

While hiding files and folders on your Windows 11 can offer protection, remember that it’s not foolproof. While it can deter casual users from accessing your data, more advanced users may still find a way to uncover hidden files. For enhanced security, especially when dealing with sensitive data, we advise you to lock your folders on Windows.

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