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Step 1
Windows offers a built-in method of hiding files and folders from view. This built-in method is a good way to hide files that you don't want other users to find during casual use of your computer. However, it will be fairly easy for technical users to discover files hidden in this way.
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Step 2
To begin, use a file browser to navigate to the file or folder you want to hide.
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Step 3
Right-click on the file or folder you want to hide, and select "Properties."
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Step 4
In the Properties window, left-click on the box that says "Hidden." Then click the OK button.
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Step 5
Now your file is hidden. To make sure that hidden files are not viewable by default on your computer, open up the "Tools" menu in the file browser and select "Folder Options..."
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Step 6
In the Folder Options window, click on the View tab, then click the radio button that reads "Do not show hidden files and folders." When you press OK, all hidden files on your computer will be invisible by default.
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Step 7
If in the future you want to access the files and folders you made hidden, simply go back into the Folder Options window and select the radio button that reads "Show hidden files and folders." Make sure to change this setting back when you are done using the files, or else the next user will be able to see the hidden files, too.
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Step 8
As stated above, this is only a very rudimentary method for hiding files. Experienced computer users will be able to find files hidden in this way with very little difficulty. To hide files in a more secure fashion, you may wish to investigate datastreams and camouflaging files. For more information on those topics, refer to the related eHow articles on this page, or check the links in the "Resources" section below.
