Hide Files in Windows

There may be times when you don't want others to see some of your data, especially if you're using a shared computer.

Steps

1. Select the folder or file you would like to hide, and right click on it.
2. Select 'Properties' from the pop-up menu that appears.
3. Check the 'Hidden' check box located in the Attributes section, then click on 'OK'.
4. Right click on an empty space where the file or folder you chose to be hidden, and select 'Refresh' from the pop-up menu. If you have done the previous steps correctly, you will no longer see the file.

To Recover Hidden Files

1. Open any Windows Explorer window and click Organize. Then, select Tools>Folder Options from the menu bar.
2. Select the 'View' tab. Then scroll down and make sure that 'Show hidden files and folders' is selected.
3. Click 'Apply', and 'OK', and now you will be able to see all hidden files on your computer, denoted with a transparent icon, rather than a fully opaque one.

Tips

• If you are trying to hide a folder, another dialog box will open, giving you the option of hiding only the folder, or hiding the folder and the files within that folder.

Video

Hidden Files and Folders in Windows

Related Articles

• Hide Files and Folders Using Batch Files
• Unhide Folders in Windows 7
• Enable Viewing Hidden Files and Folders in Windows
• Hide Files on Your Computer in Windows With a Few Quick Clicks

See also

• Delete Files That Cannot Be Deleted
• Delete Undeletable Files in Windows
• Open ISO Files
• Delete a File in Microsoft Windows Using Batch Files
• Delete a File or Folder Showing Error "Access Is Denied"
• Completely Hide a File or Folder
• Make a New File in Windows
• Block an Application or .EXE from Running in Windows
• Make an Installation File