Many users place their important files and folders on the Windows 10 desktop to quickly access them. The problem with this approach is that other users who sit next to you might also view your file names!
If you are worried about the files and folders on the Windows 10 desktop, you can consider hiding them. While you can hide all icons on the desktop by right-clicking on the desktop, clicking View, and then deselecting the Show desktop icons option, you might want to hide only specific files and folders.
Yes, as you know by now, Windows 10 allows users to hide files and folders without requiring additional software.
Note that we recommend locking files and folders rather than merely hiding them, particularly if others have access to your PC or you have not set up a password for your user account. Refer to our five free folder locker software for Windows 10 article to know the best free folder lockers out there. If you don’t wish to use third-party software for the job, use the built-in Encrypting File System (EFS) in Windows 10 to password-protect files and folders.
We will show you how to quickly hide a file or folder icon on the Windows 10 desktop.
Hide files and folders on Windows 10 desktop
Step 1: On your Windows 10 desktop, perform a right-click on the file or folder icon that you would like to hide and then click the Properties option.
Step 2: In the resulting dialog box, switch to the General tab.
Step 3: Here, check the Hidden checkbox and then click the Apply button.
Step 4: If you are trying to hide a folder, you will get the following prompt where you need to select Apply changes to this folder, sub folders and files radio button if you wish to hide all files and sub-folders. Click OK.
The icon should disappear from the desktop now. If it is still partially showing up, it is because Windows 10 has not been configured to hide files that have hidden attributes. Here is how to do that.
Hide hidden items in Windows 10
Step 1: Open the File Explorer. Click on the File menu and then click OptionsChange folder and search options to open the Folder Options dialog.
Step 2: Under the View tab, deselect the Do not show hidden files, folders, or drives option. Click Apply.
Alternatively, click on the View tab in the File Explorer and then deselect the Hidden files option.
The hidden file or folder icon will be truly hidden now.
How to hide a file or folder from search in Windows 10 guide might also interest you.