How to Hide Folder in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide to Privacy

Do you ever wish you could keep certain files or folders away from prying eyes — maybe personal photos, work documents, or sensitive data? The good news is, Windows 10 offers several simple and effective ways to hide folders and maintain your privacy.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to hide a folder in Windows 10, using both built-in features and third-party tools. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to protect your private files.

What Does It Mean to Hide a Folder in Windows 10?

When you “hide” a folder, you’re making it invisible in File Explorer — unless someone explicitly changes the settings to show hidden files.

This doesn’t mean the folder is encrypted or password-protected — it’s simply out of sight. Think of it as putting a document in a drawer instead of on your desk. It’s still there, but not easily visible.

Windows 10 provides built-in options to hide files and folders using the Hidden attribute, which you can access through folder properties or the command line.

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2. Why You Might Want to Hide Folders

There are plenty of reasons you might want to keep a folder hidden. Some of the most common include:

• Privacy: Hide personal photos, sensitive work documents, or financial records.

• Organization: Reduce clutter by hiding unnecessary system or backup folders.

• Security: Prevent accidental deletion or modification of important files.

• Shared Computers: Keep your personal content private from other users.

Whatever your reason, hiding folders gives you more control over what’s visible on your PC.

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3. How to Hide a Folder Using File Explorer

This is the easiest and most common method. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step:

1. Open File Explorer.
   Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the folder you want to hide.

3. Right-click the folder and select Properties.

4. In the General tab, check the box labeled Hidden.

5. Click Apply, then choose Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files if you want everything inside to be hidden.

6. Click OK.

Your folder is now hidden!

💡 Tip: To confirm it’s hidden, go to the location — you won’t see the folder unless hidden items are set to show.

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4. How to Unhide Hidden Folders

To make hidden folders visible again:

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click on the View tab in the top menu.

3. In the Show/Hide section, check Hidden items.

Once checked, hidden folders will appear slightly transparent — indicating they’re hidden but visible to you.

To hide them again, just uncheck Hidden items.

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5. How to Hide Folders via Folder Properties

Sometimes, you may prefer accessing folder properties directly.

Steps:

1. Locate your folder.

2. Right-click and choose Properties.

3. In the Attributes section, check Hidden.

4. Hit Apply → OK.

This method is identical in function to using File Explorer’s ribbon, but it’s ideal if you already have the Properties window open for other changes.

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6. How to Use Command Prompt to Hide a Folder

If you like working with commands, this method gives you more control.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command:

   attrib +h "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\SecretFolder"


   • Replace the path with your folder’s actual path.

   • The +h flag adds the hidden attribute.

3. Press Enter.

Your folder disappears instantly from File Explorer.

To Unhide:

Use this command:

This method is quick, especially if you’re managing multiple folders.

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7. How to Hide System Folders for Advanced Privacy

You can also hide system-level folders, but proceed with caution — hiding system folders might affect how Windows functions.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click View → Options → Change folder and search options.

3. In the View tab, under Advanced settings, check Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives.

4. Also, check Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).

This ensures your system and user-hidden folders remain invisible.

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8. How to Password-Protect Hidden Folders

Hiding a folder adds privacy, but it doesn’t secure it. Anyone who knows how to show hidden items can access it.

So, add an extra layer of protection by password-protecting it.

Option 1: Use Built-In File Encryption

Windows 10 Pro users can use EFS (Encrypting File System):

1. Right-click the folder → Properties.

2. Click Advanced under the General tab.

3. Check Encrypt contents to secure data.

4. Click OK → Apply.

Only your Windows account can access the folder, even if it’s copied to another device.

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9. Using File Encryption for Extra Security

If you’re on Windows 10 Home, EFS isn’t available — but you can use free tools like VeraCrypt or 7-Zip.

Example using 7-Zip:

1. Install 7-Zip.

2. Right-click the folder → 7-Zip → Add to archive.

3. Set an archive name and select zip format.

4. In the Encryption section, enter a strong password.

5. Click OK.

You can delete the original folder after encrypting it — keeping only the password-protected archive.

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10. How to Hide a Folder Using the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

This method hides a folder deep within Windows’ structure — perfect for tech-savvy users.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL


3. Double-click CheckedValue and set it to 0.

4. Click OK and restart your PC.

Now, hidden folders will not appear even if someone tries to enable “Show hidden files.”

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Registry can cause system issues. Always back it up first.

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11. How to Create Hidden Folders Using the “Invisible Folder” Trick

Want to hide a folder without even marking it as “Hidden”? Try this clever method:

Steps:

1. Create a new folder.

2. Right-click → Rename.

3. Hold Alt and type 255 (using the numeric keypad), then press Enter.

   • This adds an invisible character as the name.

4. Right-click the folder → Properties → Customize → Change Icon.

5. Scroll and choose a blank icon, then click OK.

Now, your folder is literally invisible — no name, no visible icon.

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12. Best Third-Party Tools to Hide Folders in Windows 10

If you prefer simplicity and more advanced security, these tools can help:

These tools make hiding and locking folders easier for non-technical users.

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13. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiding Folders

• ❌ Forgetting the folder path: Keep a note (in a secure place).

• ❌ Relying only on the “Hidden” attribute: It’s easily bypassed.

• ❌ Hiding system folders: May break system functionality.

• ❌ Using weak passwords: Always use a strong, unique password.

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14. Tips to Keep Your Hidden Folders Secure

• Use encryption for sensitive data.

• Create backups of hidden folders.

• Don’t name your folder something obvious like “Private” or “Secret.”

• Combine hidden attributes with password protection.

• Keep your antivirus active to avoid malware accessing hidden files.

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15. How to Recover Hidden Folders If You Forget the Path

If you’ve hidden a folder and can’t find it:

1. Enable Hidden items in File Explorer.

2. Use Windows Search (type part of the folder name).

3. Run Command Prompt and type:

   dir /a /s "C:\"


   This will list all files and folders, including hidden ones.

4. Use recovery tools like Recuva or Wise Data Recovery if deleted accidentally.

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16. Conclusion

Hiding folders in Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful way to protect your privacy and keep your workspace organized.

We covered everything — from basic hiding methods using File Explorer to advanced options with Command Prompt, Registry Editor, and encryption tools.

Remember: hiding isn’t the same as securing. For maximum protection, combine hidden attributes with password protection or encryption.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your private data stays truly private.

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17. FAQs

1. Can I hide multiple folders at once in Windows 10?

Yes! Select all the folders, right-click → Properties → Hidden, and apply the change.

2. Can someone still find a hidden folder using search?

If “Show hidden files” is enabled, yes. For true privacy, combine hiding with encryption or password protection.

3. Will hiding folders slow down my PC?

No, hiding folders doesn’t affect performance — it’s just a visibility change.

4. Can I hide folders from specific users only?

You can set permissions via Properties → Security tab to restrict access.

5. What’s the safest method to hide sensitive files?

Use a combination of encryption and hiding tools like Wise Folder Hider for the best privacy.

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🔑 Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ Best combo: Hide folder + Encrypt it for ultimate security.
✅ Always remember your folder path and password!