How to Hide Files and Folders in Windows 11

by

It is a good option to hide specific files and folders in windows 11. Hiding important folders can have many benefits, such as reducing the risk of deletion, unintended modification, or unauthorized sharing of your important data even with your friends and family, especially when you are away from your pc.

Hiding files and folders is quite easy and reverting back to visible again also simple.

Hide Files and Folders in Windows 11

2 Ways to Hide Files and Folders in Windows 11 without using Third Party Software:

There are many ways to hide your certain files and folders, but I will prefer the window’s built in methods to avoid data breaching and maintain privacy. Although , you can use other security features like to lock keyboard and mouse when you are away from your PC but still it is easy to incorporate the simple methods elaborated below.

1- Use Window’s File Explorer:

One of easiest and simplest way to hide your folders and files is the use of window’s file explorer. You need not any third-party software to make your specific files or folders invisible.

  1. Launch Window’s File Explorer (press Windows icon +E) or you can go to your specific file and folder directly.
  2. Right Click on the Files and Folder and Select ” Properties” from the drop-down arrow.
  3. On the Properties windows, open General Tab and in the Attribute section, check the Hidden option. Then Select Apply and finally Ok.
  4. Your file will be hide. If you have hided specific folder than all files in that folder will automatically be hidden.

How to Find your hidden Files or Folders:

If you have more than one file and folder hidden or want to make them visible. Then just go to File Explore > Click the three dots at the right side and choose options. Access the view tab and turn on ” Show hidden Files, Folders and Drives“. Finally click Apply and than Ok.

How to unhide files and Folders:

In order to unhide that file or folder. It won’t take too much 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 need.

2- By Using Command Prompt:

Another method to make your files and folders invisible is the use of 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 ca copy and paste the commands giver below for the use in 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 that 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 use to hide the file or folder. Similarly, if you want to unhide then just replace the +h with -h in the above commands 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.

Leave a Comment