How To Hide Files And Folders From Search In Windows 10

Windows 10 is a powerful operating system that offers many features, including the ability to search for files and folders quickly. However, sometimes you might want to hide certain files or folders from search results. In this tutorial, we will show you how to do that.

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Step 1: Create a New Folder

The first step is to create a new folder that will contain the files or folders you want to hide from search. Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select New > Folder. Give the folder a name and press Enter.

Step 2: Move the Files or Folders to the New Folder

Move the files or folders you want to hide from search to the new folder you just created. You can do this by dragging and dropping the files or folders into the new folder.

Step 3: Rename the New Folder

Right-click on the new folder and select Rename. Change the name of the folder to something that does not include any keywords that might be used in searches. For example, you can name it “Miscellaneous” or “Personal.”

Step 4: Hide the New Folder

Right-click on the new folder and select Properties. In the General tab, check the box next to Hidden. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 5: Modify Search Indexing Options

Open the Start menu and type “Indexing Options”. Click on the Indexing Options result that appears. In the Indexing Options dialog box, click on Modify.

Step 6: Exclude the New Folder from Search

In the Indexed Locations dialog box, uncheck the box next to the new folder you just created. Click OK and then Close.

Step 7: Restart the Search Service

Open the Start menu and type “Services”. Click on the Services result that appears. In the Services window, scroll down to Windows Search and right-click on it. Select Restart.

FAQs

Q: Can I still access the hidden files and folders?
A: Yes, you can still access them by navigating to the folder directly or by using the search function in Windows Explorer.
Q: Will this method hide the files and folders from other users on the same computer?
A: No, this method only hides the files and folders from search results. Other users can still access them if they know the location.
Q: Can I undo this method and make the files and folders searchable again?
A: Yes, you can undo this method by going back to the Indexing Options dialog box and checking the box next to the new folder. You will also need to restart the search service.
Q: Is there a way to hide multiple folders at once?
A: Yes, you can select multiple folders and hide them all at once by following the same steps outlined in this tutorial.
Q: Why would I want to hide files and folders from search?
A: There are several reasons why you might want to do this, such as keeping personal files private or hiding files that you do not want others to accidentally stumble upon.