To hide files on Windows 10, we typically go to the folder properties and change the attribute to ‘hidden,’ which hides the files or folders on the system. However, these files will be visible whenever “Show hidden files, folders and drives” are enabled.
Typically, people hide files on their flash drives or hard drives using the hidden attribute, assuming they will remain invisible and inaccessible to others.
However, today almost every person knows how to view hidden files in Windows. Therefore, if another person wants to view the hidden file, the person will enable “Show hidden files, folders and drives” to view the files.
Thus, it doesn’t make sense to hide files on Windows by changing their attributes, as this is a common practice. In that sense, this article will show you an alternative method that people often don’t use to hide files on Windows 10 by making them appear as system files.
Also, check this article to hide files and folders using batch file.
Why hide files on Windows 10 as System Files?
First, it is not an official method from Microsoft to hide files in Windows by making them system files.
It’s a trick that some people use to hide files, which is very uncommon. A person who is trying to view hidden files will usually enable the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” settings but will not consider enabling the “Show hidden system files.”
This trick will hide your file and folder, assigning them a system file attribute. These files and folders will not be visible even if the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” is enabled.
Using the command below, it will apply system attributes to files or folders, designating them as system files. However, it will only be visible if the “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” option is enabled.
Therefore, this trick will give you a sense of security that your files are hidden from others. The chances of other people trying to view hidden files by enabling “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” are very low.
How to Hide Files on Windows 10 as System File
1. Create a new folder or copy the path of the existing folder/files that you want to make as a system file/folder.
In my case, I have created a new folder, “Techie Inspire” under the directory of E:/Roshan
2. Now, open the Command Prompt, Go to Start >> Run >> Enter “CMD“.
3. Type the below command and press enter. Replace filefolderpath with your path of file or folder.
attrib +s +h +r filefolderPath
As you can see, the folder is not visible even when “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option is enabled
This command will make your folder a system folder, so it will only be visible when the “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” option is unchecked (as shown below).
4. To make it visible again, type the below command. Replace filefolderPath with your files/folder path.
attrib -s -h -r filefolderPath
Here, we appended a – (minus sign) to specify that we want to remove the attribute for the specific folder. You can hide or protect any files or folders using this “attrib” command. Just give the path address of that folder and Specify the attribute.
As you can see below, the folder is visible now.
Here, Attrib is a command that set the archive attribute.
S – This specifies the system attribute.
R – This specifies the read-only attribute.
H – This specifies a hidden attribute.
“+” – This adds the attribute to archive files or folders.
“-“ – This removes the attribute from archive files or folders.
Check more articles on Microsoft Windows.
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but the file made invisible as you suggested can be seen in hidden perationg system files, sorry
@Anonymous
U r right. it will be seen only by activating showing system operating hidden file.
bcoz this command make your folder as system file+system hidden+ read only property.
use +s +h +r.
so this will remain hidden. it will be not shown if “show hidden file and folder “is activated only if system hidden is not activated.
I wanted to spend a miutne to thank you for this.
I tried this and worked.Now i use this trick to hide my files.I mostly use this in college to protect my files.
You’re the gerteast! JMHO
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