Hiding files in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process. There are two main ways to do this. The first is to use the built-in Windows file explorer, and the second is to use third party software such as WinRAR or 7-Zip.
Using File Explorer
The standard way to hide files in Windows 10 is to use the “File Explorer” application. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open your File Explorer window by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Navigate to the folder where you’d like to hide your file(s).
3. Right-click the folder where the file will be hidden and select “Properties.”
4. Go to the “General” tab and check the box for “Hidden.” You’ll also see an option called “Encrypt contents to secure data.” Checking this box will add an extra layer of protection by scrambling the contents of the file so that it can’t be read without knowing the password.
5. Click “OK” and the folder and its contents will now be hidden from view. To access the hidden file again, simply go back into the same window and uncheck the “Hidden” box.
Using WinRAR or 7-Zip
WinRAR and 7-Zip are both easy to use archiving applications that can hide any number of files inside of a single archive. To hide files using this method, follow these steps:
1. Download and install either WinRAR or 7-Zip depending on which one you prefer.
2. Create a new folder anywhere on your computer and move all of the files you want to hide into it.
3. Right-click on the folder and select “Add to archive.”
4. Choose either WinRAR or 7-Zip as your archiving program and select the “Set Password” option.
5. Enter a strong password and click “OK.” This will create an encrypted archive.
6. Move the archive to wherever you want to keep it and delete the original folder containing your files.
7. To open and view the hidden files, simply double-click on the archive and enter the password when prompted.
There you have it. Now you know how to easily hide files in Windows 10 using either the File Explorer or WinRAR or 7-Zip. Just remember to always keep track of your passwords and make sure they’re secure.