How to Hide a Folder on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

This updated guide explains how to Hide a Folder on Windows through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 2:

Hiding a Folder

Navigate to the folder that contains the folder that you may need to hide.
Right click the folder that you may need to hide.
Select "Properties". It's at the bottom of the context menu.
Check the "Hidden" Checkbox. It is at the bottom of the properties menu in the "Attributes" section.
Click OK.
Decide if you may need to hide only the folder, or the folder and everything inside of it. Hiding both the folder and everything inside of it will make all files and folders inside of the folder hidden. Hiding only the folder will only hide the folder, but nothing in it.
- It will be hard for somebody to find a folder if it is hidden, but if nothing inside of the folder is hidden, then somebody can find the files inside of the folder through a search.
Click OK. After clicking OK, the folder will be hidden.

Method 2 of 2:

Viewing a Hidden Folder

Navigate to the folder containing the hidden folder.
Open the View tab. It's near the top of the window.
Check the "Hidden Items" checkbox. It's in the "Show/hide" group.
View the hidden folder. It will be slightly lighter than normal, non-hidden, folders.
- Make sure to uncheck the "Hidden Items" checkbox in the View tab when you are done, or else somebody else might be able to see your hidden folder.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Hide a Folder on Windows?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.