How to Hide Folders on Windows 10 on Desktop
Keeping your desktop organized is essential for productivity and a clutter-free workspace. One common issue many users face is the need to hide sensitive or personal folders on their Windows 10 desktop. In this guide, I’ll walk you through various methods to hide folders on your Windows 10 desktop, ensuring your privacy and organization are maintained.
Using File Explorer to Hide Folders
One of the simplest ways to hide folders on your Windows 10 desktop is by using the File Explorer. Here’s how you can do it:
- Right-click on the folder you want to hide and select “Properties” from the context menu.
- In the Properties window, go to the “General” tab.
- Check the box next to “Hidden” to hide the folder.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Keep in mind that this method only hides the folder from being visible in File Explorer. It doesn’t prevent someone from accessing the folder by searching for it or using other methods.
Using Command Prompt to Hide Folders
For a more advanced method, you can use the Command Prompt to hide folders. This method is particularly useful if you want to hide multiple folders at once. Here’s how to do it:
- Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
- In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the folder you want to hide using the “cd” command. For example, to navigate to the “C:UsersUsernameDesktop” folder, type “cd C:UsersUsernameDesktop” and press Enter.
- Once you’re in the desired folder, type the following command and press Enter:
for /r %%i in () do attrib +h "%%i"
This command will hide all files and folders within the current directory and its subdirectories. To unhide the folders, simply replace the “+” with a “-” in the command:
for /r %%i in () do attrib -h "%%i"
Using Third-Party Software to Hide Folders
There are several third-party software options available that can help you hide folders on your Windows 10 desktop. Some popular choices include:
- Folder Lock: This software allows you to password-protect and hide folders, ensuring that only authorized users can access them.
- Hide Folders Pro: This program provides a user-friendly interface for hiding folders and includes additional features like password protection and file encryption.
- FolderHider: This free tool allows you to hide folders with a simple click and includes a password protection feature for added security.
When using third-party software, make sure to choose a reputable and trusted program to ensure your data remains secure.
Using Group Policy Editor to Hide Folders
The Group Policy Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to customize various aspects of your Windows 10 system. To hide folders using the Group Policy Editor, follow these steps:
- Press “Windows Key + R” and type “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog box. Press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- In the left pane, navigate to “User Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “File Explorer” > “Folder Options” > “Hidden Files and Folders”.
- In the right pane, double-click on “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)”.
- Select “Enabled” and click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
This method will hide all protected operating system files, including hidden folders. To unhide the files, follow the same steps and select “Disabled” instead.
Using Windows 10’s File History Feature
While not a direct method for hiding folders, Windows 10’s File History feature can help you keep your important files safe and organized. Here’s how to set it up:
- Press “Windows Key + I” to open the Settings app.
- Go to “Update & Security” > “Backup” > “Add a drive” and select an external drive or network location to store your File History.
