Windows 10 can hide a folder from File Explorer with a single checkbox, which keeps it out of casual view on a shared PC. Hiding isn’t the same as protecting, though: anyone who turns on “Hidden items” can see it. This guide shows how to hide and unhide folders, hide them more thoroughly with the command line, and actually protect private files with encryption or a password.
Quick Answer
Right-click the folder, choose Properties, check Hidden under Attributes, click OK, and choose Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files. Make sure View > Hidden items is unchecked in File Explorer.
Method 1: Hide a Folder With Properties
- Right-click the folder and choose Properties.
- On the General tab, check Hidden.
- Click OK and choose Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files, then OK.
- In File Explorer, open the View tab and uncheck Hidden items. The folder disappears.
You can also select the folder and click View > Hide selected items.
Method 2: Hide It From Search Too
Hidden folders can still appear in Windows Search results. In the folder’s Properties, click Advanced and uncheck Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed. Or remove the location in Settings > Search > Searching Windows by adding it to Excluded folders.
Method 3: Hide It as a System Folder (Command Prompt)
Marking a folder as both hidden and a system file keeps it invisible even when Hidden items is on, unless someone also unchecks Hide protected operating system files.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run (replace the path with yours):
attrib +h +s "C:\Users\Alex\Documents\Private" - To unhide: attrib -h -s “C:\Users\Alex\Documents\Private”.
Write down the exact path; you’ll need it to find the folder again.
How to Unhide a Folder
- In File Explorer, check View > Hidden items.
- Hidden folders appear faded. Right-click the folder > Properties, uncheck Hidden, and apply.
More help: how to see hidden files on Windows 10 and how to unhide files.
Hiding vs. Protecting
| Method | Stops casual viewing | Stops someone who knows how |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden attribute | Yes | No |
| Hidden + system (attrib) | Yes | No |
| Separate user account | Yes | Mostly (admins can still access) |
| Encryption or password-protected archive | Yes | Yes, with a strong password |
Actually Protect Private Files
- Separate accounts: give each person their own Windows account. Files in your user folder aren’t visible to other standard users.
- Encrypting File System (Pro and above): Properties > Advanced > Encrypt contents to secure data. Only your account can open the files. Back up the encryption certificate when prompted.
- BitLocker (Pro and above) or device encryption: protects the whole drive if the PC is lost or stolen.
- Password-protected archive: free tools like 7-Zip can create an AES-256 encrypted .7z or .zip file with a password.
Don’t forget your password; encrypted files can’t be recovered without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I still see my hidden folder?
Hidden items is turned on in File Explorer’s View tab. Uncheck it.
Does hiding a folder hide it from backup or OneDrive?
No. Hidden folders are still backed up and synced if they’re in a synced location.
Does this work in Windows 11?
Yes. In Windows 11, use View > Show > Hidden items. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
Summary
- Properties > check Hidden > apply to subfolders and files.
- Turn off View > Hidden items.
- Use attrib +h +s to hide more thoroughly.
- Use separate accounts or encryption for real protection.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.