Step by step guide on how to hide folders in Windows 11

Our devices are no longer just machines that help us to communicate and get work done. They are also a portal to some of our most important files including ones that identify our personal information. Windows 11, one of the most widely used desktop operating systems, powering our laptops and desktops is no exception.

If you are a Windows user, you must be familiar with a lot of shortcuts to ace through Microsoft’s desktop operating system. One thing that every Windows user should learn is the process of hiding folders on Windows 11. It is not only essential to maintain your privacy and keep your data safe from prying eyes.

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However, you might also want to hide your files and folders if you share your Windows 11 laptop or computer with a family member or use a public device at work. The primary reason for hiding files is to maintain confidentiality and avoid any unintended modification, deletion or your files. If you wish to hide any files or folders on Windows 11, here’s how it works.

How to hide folder in Windows 11

Once you are done using your Windows 11 device, here are the steps you should follow to hide a folder:

1. Navigate to the directory (or location) where the folder you want to hide is located.

2. Right-click on the folder you want to hide.

3. Scroll down and click on the Properties option.

4. You can also select the folder you want to hide, and press the Alt + Enter keys to open the folder’s Properties window.

5. Under General, you will see a sub-section called Attributes. Check the box next to the Hidden option at the bottom.

6. Click OK.

7. Next, you will be prompted to select whether you would like to “Apply changes to the folder only” or “Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files.”

8. Click on OK to save the changes.

The above steps will hide the folder you selected and limit its access from other users who have access to the device.

How to hide files in Windows 11

While you can hide a folder and choose to apply the hidden option to only the folder or also to all the folders, subfolders, and files, there might be times when you only want to hide a file. This file might be within a folder or a drive and here’s how you can hide it in Windows 11.

1. Locate the file you want to hide.

2. Right-click on the file you want to hide.

3. Scroll down and click on the Properties option.

4. You can also select the file you want to hide, and press the Alt + Enter keys to open the folder’s Properties window.

5. Under General, you will see a sub-section called Attributes.

6. To hide your file, Check the box next to the Hidden option at the bottom.

7. Click OK.

And just like that, you have hidden a file on your Windows 11 laptop and prevented it from being accessed by prying eyes or users with access to your device.

How to access the hidden file or folder on Windows 11

Now that you have hidden a file or folder on Windows 11, you would like to access this hidden file or folder again. Here’s what you need to do to see your hidden files and folders on Windows 11:

1. Launch the File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys.

2. Click on View at the top menu bar and select the Show option in the drop-down menu.

3. Next, click on Hidden items at the bottom of the menu.

With the above steps, you will be able to view all the hidden files and folders on your system. Please note you have only changed how Windows surfaces files and folders on your system and not unhide them.

How to unhide files and folders on Windows 11

Now that you know how to make Windows 11 show your hidden files and folders, you might want to unhide them or restore them to their original status, thus making them easily accessible on the device. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Press the Windows + E keys to launch the File Explorer.

2. Click on View at the top left and select the Show option in the drop-down menu.

3. Click on Hidden items at the bottom of the menu.

4. Right-click the file or folder and select Properties from the context menu.

5. Now, uncheck the box next to the Hidden option in the pop-up window.

6. Click on OK to save the changes.

The above steps will restore your hidden file or folder to its original position, and you will be able to easily access them.