How to Disable 'Show - Hidden Items' Option in Windows Explorer

Are you tired of accidentally revealing your system's hidden files and folders while browsing through Windows Explorer? Do you want to prevent other users from viewing these sensitive files? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of disabling the 'Show hidden items' option in Windows Explorer. This tutorial is designed for entry-level users, so no advanced technical knowledge is required.

What are Hidden Items in Windows Explorer?

Hidden items in Windows Explorer are files and folders that are not typically displayed when you browse through your system. These items are often crucial system files that are hidden to prevent accidental deletion or modification. However, some users may want to hide personal or sensitive files from other users. By default, the 'Show hidden items' option is enabled in Windows Explorer, which means that hidden items are visible when you enable the 'Hidden items' view option.

Why Disable the 'Show Hidden Items' Option?

Disabling the 'Show hidden items' option can provide an extra layer of security for your system. By hiding sensitive files and folders, you can prevent other users from accessing or modifying them. This is especially important if you share your computer with other users or if you have young children who may accidentally delete or modify important files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable the 'Show Hidden Items' Option

Follow these simple steps to disable the 'Show hidden items' option in Windows Explorer:

1. Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Click on the 'View' tab in the ribbon at the top of the Windows Explorer window.
3. In the 'Show' group, uncheck the 'Hidden items' option. This will hide all hidden files and folders in the current folder and all its subfolders.
4. To make this change permanent, click on the 'Options' button in the bottom right corner of the 'View' tab. This will open the Folder Options dialog box.
5. In the 'View' tab of the Folder Options dialog box, scroll down to the 'Hidden files and folders' section.
6. Select the 'Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives' option. This will hide all hidden files and folders on your system.
7. Click 'OK' to save your changes and close the Folder Options dialog box.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you manage hidden items in Windows Explorer:

• To quickly show hidden items in the current folder, press the Alt + H + H keys on your keyboard.
• To view or modify hidden system files, you may need to enable the 'Show hidden files, folders, and drives' option in the Folder Options dialog box. However, be careful when modifying system files, as this can cause serious issues with your system.
• To hide individual files or folders, right-click on the file or folder and select 'Properties'. In the 'General' tab, check the 'Hidden' option and click 'OK'. Note that this will not prevent experienced users from viewing hidden files and folders.

Disabling the 'Show hidden items' option in Windows Explorer is a simple way to add an extra layer of security to your system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can hide sensitive files and folders from other users and prevent accidental modification or deletion. Remember to always be careful when modifying system files, as this can cause serious issues with your system.

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