How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Sometimes in the process of using your computer, there are sensitive, important types of data on your system that you don't want anyone else to access - whether intentionally or unintentionally - without your consent.

Unfortunately, Chrome OS does not support the feature that allows you to hide files and folders directly, you will have to do a little 'trick' instead, but nothing complicated. The specific procedure is as follows.

How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

First, click the 'App Launcher' icon in the bottom left corner of the screen to see all the apps currently on your Chromebook. Here, open the 'Files' app.

Picture 1 of How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Next, find the file or folder you want to hide and click the three vertical dots icon at the top right of the window to open the options menu.

Picture 2 of How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

In the menu that appears, click on the 'Show Hidden Files' option.

Picture 3 of How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Next, right-click on the file or folder you want to hide and select 'Rename' from the contextual menu that appears.

Picture 4 of How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Now you just need to add a dot at the beginning of the name of the selected file/folder and press Enter.

Picture 5 of How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Then click on the three-dot menu icon again and this time uncheck the 'Show Hidden Files' option.

Picture 6 of How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Done, the files or folders that you renamed will disappear from the file list.

How to View Hidden Files and Folders on a Chromebook

You have hidden some files and folders, so how do you see them again?

First, navigate to the folder containing the files that you've hidden and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right.

Click on the 'Show Hidden Files' option.

Picture 7 of How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Files that you have hidden using the renaming tip above will be fully visible.

Update 18 January 2022
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