How to Hide Files in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wanted to keep certain files away from prying eyes? Maybe it’s a work document, personal notes, or something you simply don’t want others to stumble upon. Luckily, Windows 11 has built-in features that let you hide files and folders without needing third-party software.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through different methods of hiding files in Windows 11, step by step. Whether you want a quick hide option or a more secure method, you’ll find everything you need right here.

Table of Contents

Why Hide Files in Windows 11?

Hiding files isn’t just about secrecy. It can be practical too. Here are a few reasons:

Privacy – Keep personal documents out of sight.
Organization – Hide clutter you don’t use often.
Security – Prevent others from accidentally deleting or accessing files.

Think of it like tucking valuables in a drawer—out of sight, out of mind.

Step 1: Use the Built-in File Explorer Option

The easiest way to hide files in Windows 11 is through File Explorer.

Right-click the file or folder you want to hide.
Select Properties from the menu.
In the General tab, check the box next to Hidden.
Click Apply, then choose whether to apply it to just that file or the entire folder.
Hit OK.

That’s it! The file or folder is now hidden.

Step 2: Show or Hide Hidden Files

Hiding files is one thing, but what if you want to view them again?

Open File Explorer.
Click on the View tab at the top.
Select Show → Hidden items.

This will reveal all hidden files. To hide them again, just uncheck the option.

Step 3: Hide Files Using Command Prompt

If you prefer a more technical method, you can use Command Prompt.

Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Navigate to the folder containing your file. Example: cd C:\Users\YourName\Documents
Use the following command: attrib +h filename.txt Replace filename.txt with your actual file name.

👉 To unhide it later, run:

attrib -h filename.txt

This method gives you more control and feels a bit more “hacker-style.”

Step 4: Hide Files Inside a Hidden Folder

Instead of hiding individual files, you can hide an entire folder.

Create a new folder.
Right-click → Properties → check Hidden.
Move sensitive files into that folder.

When hidden files are disabled in File Explorer, no one will even know that folder exists.

Step 5: Use File Compression with a Password

For an extra layer of security, you can compress files and add a password:

Right-click the file/folder.
Select Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder.
Use third-party tools like WinRAR or 7-Zip to add a password.

This way, even if someone finds the file, they can’t open it without the password.

Step 6: Rename Files for Extra Stealth

Sometimes, hiding in plain sight works best. Rename your file to something boring like system32.dll or notes.txt. Combined with the hidden attribute, this makes it even less noticeable.

Step 7: Use File Permissions to Restrict Access

Another way to “hide” files is by restricting access:

Right-click the file/folder → Properties.
Go to the Security tab.
Edit permissions to remove access for other users.

This doesn’t make it invisible but ensures no one else can open it.

Step 8: Hide Files Using Third-Party Software (Optional)

If you want stronger privacy, there are dedicated tools like:

Wise Folder Hider
Folder Lock
Easy File Locker

These offer features like password-protected hiding, encryption, and stealth modes.

Best Practices for Hiding Files

Don’t rely only on Windows hidden files—it’s easy to reveal them.
Use password protection for sensitive files.
Keep backups in case you forget where you hid them.
If security is a big concern, use encryption tools.

Conclusion

Hiding files in Windows 11 is simple and effective for keeping things private and organized. From the built-in File Explorer option to more advanced methods like Command Prompt, password protection, and third-party tools—you have multiple ways to safeguard your files.

Remember, hidden files aren’t truly secure; if you want maximum privacy, pair hiding with encryption or passwords.

FAQs

1. Can hidden files still be found in Windows 11?
Yes, anyone who knows how to enable hidden files in File Explorer can see them.

2. Is hiding files the same as protecting them with a password?
No. Hiding just makes them invisible, while passwords add real security.

3. Can I hide multiple files at once?
Yes, you can select multiple files/folders, right-click, and mark them as hidden.

4. What if I forget where I hid my files?
Enable hidden items in File Explorer to see all hidden files again.

5. Do I need third-party software to hide files in Windows 11?
Not necessarily. Windows has built-in options, but third-party apps offer stronger protection.