How do I hide a folder?

Answered by James Kissner

To hide a folder on your computer, you can follow these steps:

1. Select the folder you want to hide: Navigate to the location of the folder using Windows Explorer or File Explorer. You can typically find these options by clicking on the folder icon in your taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard. Once you have located the folder you want to hide, make sure it is selected.

2. Open the folder’s Properties: Right-click on the selected folder and choose “Properties” from the context menu. This will open a dialog box with various options for the folder.

3. Check the “Hidden” attribute: In the Properties dialog box, you will see several tabs. Click on the “General” tab if it is not already selected. In the Attributes section, you will find a checkbox labeled “Hidden”. Check this box to hide the folder.

4. Apply the changes: After checking the “Hidden” box, click on the “Apply” or “OK” button to save the changes. The folder will now be hidden from view.

It’s important to note that hiding a folder using this method does not provide absolute security or encryption. It simply makes the folder invisible to regular users and prevents it from appearing in file explorers or search results by default. However, someone with advanced technical knowledge or appropriate permissions may still be able to access the hidden folder.

To view hidden folders on your computer, you can enable the option to show hidden files and folders in your file explorer settings. This will allow you to see hidden folders and their contents.

Hiding a folder can be a useful way to keep certain files or folders out of plain sight. However, it’s important to remember that it is not a foolproof method of securing sensitive information. If you require stronger protection for your files, consider using encryption or other security measures in addition to hiding the folder.