Hiding files and folders in Windows 11 is a useful feature that helps users keep sensitive or unnecessary data out of sight during everyday use. This capability is vital for protecting privacy, reducing clutter, and preventing accidental deletion or changes to important files. Windows 11 offers a simple way to hide files or folders, ensuring they can only be accessed by those who know how to unhide them.
This ability is especially crucial for devices shared by multiple users, as it stops others from unintentionally viewing or modifying sensitive information. It’s also beneficial for system administrators who need to hide essential configuration files that could disrupt system operations if altered. Moreover, this feature helps create a tidier workspace by hiding files that are rarely used, making it easier to find frequently accessed items.
Read Also: Get these apps to hide your desired applications on Android and iOS devices.
Hiding files and folders is quite easy, and reverting to visibility again is also simple.
2 Ways to Hide Files and Folders in Windows 11 without using Third-Party Software:
There are many ways to hide certain files and folders, but I prefer the Windows built-in methods to avoid data breaches and maintain privacy. Although you can use other security features like locking keyboard and mouse when you are away from your PC but it is still easy to incorporate the simple methods elaborated below.
1- Use Windows File Explorer:
One of the easiest and simplest ways to hide your folders and files is the use Windows’ file explorer. Do you need any third-party software to make your specific files or folders invisible?
- Launch Windows File Explorer (press Windows icon +E), or you can go to your specific file or folder directly.
- Right-click on the Files and folders and select ” Properties” from the drop-down arrow.
- On the Properties window, open the General Tab and in the Attribute section, check the Hidden option. Then select Apply and finally Ok.
- Your file will be hidden. If you have hidden a specific folder, then all files in that folder will automatically be hidden.
How to Find Your Hidden Files or Folders:
If you have more than one file or folder hidden, or want to make them visible. Then just go to File Explorer> Click the three dots on the right side and choose options. Access the View tab and turn on ” Show hidden Files, Folders, and Drives“. Finally, click Apply and then Ok.
How to unhide files and Folders:
To unhide that file or folder. It won’t take too many steps:
- Go to Step 3 above > Open General Tab and in the Attribute section, uncheck the Hidden option.
That’s it. Now you can see your hidden files and folders as and when needed.
2- By Using Command Prompt:
Another method to make your files and folders invisible is the use of the Command Prompt. It is a little tricky to use this option because you have to type some commands for that specific file or folder. But don’t worry, you can copy and paste the commands given below for use in the command prompt.
- Go to Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- In the command prompt, type (or copy and paste) the command given. Replace the word Path with the complete address of the file and folder that you want to hide and press Enter.
cd PATH
- To hide a file, type the following command and replace the “FileName.ext” with the name and extension of the file that you want to hide, and press Enter.
attrib +h "FileName.ext"
- Similarly, to hide a folder, type the following command and replace “FolderName” with the folder name that you want to hide, and press Enter.
attrib +h "FolderName"
The +h is the attribute used to hide the file or folder. Similarly, if you want to unhide, then just replace the +h with -h in the above command lines and press Enter.
So whether you are trying to clean up Windows files, hide sensitive info, or some financial details. Making your specific files and folders invisible is quite beneficial.
While hiding files and folders isn’t a security measure, it serves as a practical way to keep data out of plain sight. For better protection, users should consider combining it with encryption or password protection. The user-friendly design of Windows 11 makes it easy to hide files, allowing both beginners and experienced users to take advantage of this feature for better privacy and organization in their digital spaces.