Using Windows File Explorer to Hide Files and Folders
While your Windows computer should be well-locked down with a password or biometric protection, it’s impossible to guarantee that no one else will ever gain access to it, whether it’s a thief swiping your unlocked laptop from a coffee shop or one of your kids wanting to play games while you’re doing something else.
Knowing how to hide files and folders from view can be really useful. These files won’t pop up during normal file browsing, and they’ll be difficult to find even if someone is specifically looking for them.
Using Windows File Explorer
You can hide files and folders inside File Explorer. By default, Windows File Explorer hides certain files and folders from view. Typically, these are important system files, which shouldn’t be accessed or edited. You can see these files and folders if you want:
- From any File Explorer window, click the three dots in the top toolbar.
- Click Options on the menu that pops up.
- On the View tab, enable Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
- Click OK to confirm.
To hide any of your own files or folders:
- Right-click on the file or folder.
- Choose Properties from the context menu.
- On the General tab, check the Hidden box.
- Click OK to confirm.
As long as File Explorer is configured not to show hidden files and folders, the items you’ve selected won’t be visible. This applies wherever File Explorer is used — so in dialogs for opening files inside applications, for example.
It’s a quick and easy way of protecting files and folders you don’t want to be seen, but it’s hardly the most secure — anyone who knows their way around File Explorer will be able to get it to show hidden files again. If you need something more comprehensive, you’ll have to turn to a third-party tool.
Third-Party Options
There are several third-party tools to pick from here, which don’t so much hide your files and folders as lock them from view. If someone accesses your Windows system, they’ll be able to see that something is hidden, but they’re not going to be able to get at whatever you’ve locked away.
The best option I’ve used personally is Folder Lock. It’s straightforward and reliable, and while there is a Pro version you can get for $39.95, the free version will be enough for most people. You get 1GB of space inside your locker, and you can keep it synced between two devices.
Setting Up Folder Lock
During the setup process, you’ll be asked where you want to store your locker. It’s a good idea to have it buried deep in some subfolders rather than sitting somewhere prominent like the desktop. You also need to specify an email address and password for gaining access to your digital locker.
Using Your Locker
If Folder Lock isn’t running, your locker won’t be visible in File Explorer. To add files to your locker and see what you’ve stored in it, launch the app from the Start menu and log in. By default, your locker automatically opens in File Explorer (in settings, you can change it so it’s sitting on your homescreen instead if you want):
- Drag files and folders into your locker folder to hide them.
- Double-click on locked files and folders to open them.
- To hide everything, click Lock on the Folder Lock panel.
Whenever your locker is open, it works like any other folder in Windows. You can delete files, duplicate files, and copy and paste them in the normal way. As soon as you lock it or close Folder Lock, they vanish from view.
Additional Features
The program also includes a Secrets section, where you can store passwords, notes, and credit card information, and a Safeguard feature for securely shredding digital files (overwriting them with random data, essentially).
Everything is encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption, and you can back up your locker to a cloud storage service (such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox) for extra peace of mind.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to use Folder Lock?
A: Yes, Folder Lock uses AES 256-bit encryption, making it a secure way to protect your files and folders.
Q: Can I use Folder Lock on multiple devices?
A: Yes, you can keep your locker synced between two devices.
Q: Is there a free version of Folder Lock?
A: Yes, the free version of Folder Lock is suitable for most users.
Q: Can I back up my locker to a cloud storage service?
A: Yes, you can back up your locker to a cloud storage service for extra peace of mind.
