Hide Drives in File Explorer on Windows 11: Do you want to keep your critical files and folders hidden from inquisitive eyes? There is no need to look any further! In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of hiding discs in Windows 11 File Explorer. Hide drives might be an efficient solution for protecting private documents or simply cleaning up your file organisation. So let’s get started on the strategies that will help you keep your personal information safe and out of sight. Let us begin with our step-by-step instructions!
How to Hide Drives in File Explorer on Windows 11
Table of Contents
The command-line programme Diskpart can be used to hide drives in Windows 11 File Explorer. This sophisticated software makes it simple to manage your computer’s discs and partitions. To begin, launch Command Prompt as an administrator:Using Diskpart to Hide Drives
- Press the Windows key and the “R” key on your keyboard at the same time to launch Run.
- Enter “regedit” (without the quotations) in the Run dialogue. This launches the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following place in the Registry Editor:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
- Right-click “Explorer” and then choose “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- To hide discs in File Explorer on Windows 11, create a new DWORD value called “NoDrive.”
- Double-click on the “NoDrive” value and input the value for the drive you want to hide from the list below.
- If you want to hide more than one drive, simply put their values together. To hide Drives E (16) and F (32), for example, use (32 + 16 =) 48 in the Value Data field.
- In the “Value Data” area, enter the appropriate value and click “OK” to confirm.
Drive Letter | Decimal Value Data |
|---|---|
| Show all drives | 0 |
| A | 1 |
| B | 2 |
| C | 4 |
| D | 8 |
| E | 16 |
| F | 32 |
| G | 64 |
| H | 128 |
| I | 256 |
| J | 512 |
| K | 1024 |
| L | 2048 |
| M | 4096 |
| N | 8192 |
| O | 16384 |
| P | 32768 |
| Q | 65536 |
| R | 131072 |
| S | 262144 |
| T | 524288 |
| U | 1048576 |
| V | 2097152 |
| W | 4194304 |
| X | 8388608 |
| Y | 16777216 |
| Z | 33554432 |
| Hide all drives | 67108863 |
Finally, restart your computer or simply restart File Explorer to ensure that the changes take effect and are saved.
Hiding Drives with File Explorer on Windows 11
Hiding Drives in Windows 11 File Explorer might be a beneficial method if you wish to keep specific drives hidden and secure your data. Fortunately, this operation is rather simple and can be completed without the use of any extra programmes or difficult commands.
To begin, launch File Explorer by double-clicking its icon in the taskbar or hitting Windows key + E on your keyboard. Navigate to “This PC” on the left-hand sidebar after it’s open.
Next, navigate to the drive you want to conceal in File Explorer. Select “Properties” from the drop-down menu when you right-click on it. Click the “General” tab in the Properties window that displays.
This tab contains an option called “Attributes.” Check the box next to “Hidden,” then press “Apply” and “OK.”
After you’ve finished these instructions, restart File Explorer by pressing F5 or right-clicking anywhere in it and selecting “Refresh.” The secret drive should now be hidden from sight!
Keep in mind that, while concealing discs in File Explorer can help safeguard critical data from prying eyes, it does not give complete protection. Those secret drives may still be accessible if someone knows where to search or has sophisticated understanding of Windows systems.
While concealing discs within File Explorer can provide some level of privacy and organisation, consider extra measures such as encryption or password protection to completely secure your sensitive information.
Continue reading to learn how to hide drives using Diskpart and Disc Management!
Using Disk Management to Hide Drives
Another excellent technique is to use Disc Management to Hide Drives in Windows 11. Disc Management is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to manage your disc drives and partitions.
Follow these procedures to hide a drive in Disc Management:
1. On your keyboard, press the Windows key + X and pick “Disc Management” from the menu that appears.
2. Locate the drive you wish to conceal in the Disc Management window.
3. Select “Change Drive Letter and Paths” from the context menu when you right-click on the drive.
4. In the following window, click the “Remove” button.
5. You will see a warning box notifying you that programmes may no longer be able to access this disc. To proceed, press the “Yes” button.
6. File Explorer will now hide the drive.
It’s crucial to note that hiding a drive with Disc Management merely removes its letter assignment, rendering it unavailable via File Explorer or any other file management tools included with Windows.
Using this strategy, you can easily keep particular discs hidden from prying eyes or prevent unskilled users from accidentally modifying essential system files.
Always take caution while changing disc drives with programmes like Disc Management, as incorrect changes might result in data loss or system instability.
Using Disc Management is a simple way to hide drives in Windows 11 File Explorer without relying on third-party applications or sophisticated command-line actions!
Using Third-Party Tools to Hide Drives
If you’re seeking for a different way to hide discs in File Explorer on Windows 11, there are numerous third-party tools that can assist you. These programmes provide capabilities and customization possibilities not available through built-in Windows utilities.
One popular programme is “Wise Folder Hider.” This freeware makes it simple to conceal certain drives or folders from prying eyes. Simply choose the drive or folder to be hidden, enter a password if needed, and the utility will make it invisible within File Explorer.
Another option is “Lock My Folders,” which does a similar job of hiding discs or folders with a few clicks. It also provides password protection and encryption for increased privacy.
“VeraCrypt” is a good option for individuals who like open-source solutions. Although it is primarily intended for disc encryption, VeraCrypt also allows you to create hidden volumes within your existing drives. You may efficiently hide confidential data while keeping your drive accessible via File Explorer by using this option.
When it comes to hiding discs in File Explorer on Windows 11, these third-party applications provide ease and flexibility. Whether you value ease of use, extensive security features, or open-source solutions, there is almost certainly a tool out there that meets your requirements. Always use trusted sources when downloading software and use caution when making changes to your system settings.
Note : Windows 10 Users can Also Use the same Hide Drives in File Explorer on Windows 10:
Any way to hide drives in Windows 10 Explorer?
by in Windows10
Related:
- How to Disable Recommended Websites on Start Menu
- How to Create a New Registry File via Right Click Menu
- How To Disable/Enable Registry Editor In Windows 11
- How to Remove Duplicate Drives in File Explorer on Windows 11
- How to Hide Files and Folders from Search in Windows 11
Conclusion
The adventure to hide discs in Windows 11 File Explorer has been eye-opening. We investigated many approaches, including using Diskpart, exploiting the features of Disc Management, and even exploring third-party solutions. Each method has its own set of pros and disadvantages.
Diskpart includes a command-line interface that allows users to operate their drives directly. It is a powerful tool that requires some technical knowledge but may be quite useful when utilised properly.
Hidding drives through File Explorer, on the other hand, delivers a more user-friendly experience. You may simply customise your File Explorer view with a few clicks rather than going into complex commands or settings.
Disc Management is an intuitive graphical interface for individuals who prefer to work visually. You can easily manage your drives while yet keeping them hidden from inquisitive eyes.
Don’t forget about third-party tools! There are other choices available that provide additional capabilities and customization possibilities in addition to what is offered natively on Windows 11.
Finally, whether you utilise Diskpart, File Explorer, Disc Management, or investigate third-party options, the decision is ultimately yours. Consider your needs and tastes before choosing on the best strategy for you. Good luck with your drive-hiding!
FAQs
1. Can I hide drives in File Explorer on Windows 11 without using third-party tools?
Yes, you can hide drives in File Explorer on Windows 11 without using any third-party tools. You can use built-in utilities like Diskpart and Disk Management to accomplish this.
2. Will hiding a drive make it inaccessible?
Hiding a drive does not make it completely inaccessible. It simply hides the drive from being displayed in File Explorer. However, advanced users may still be able to access the hidden drives through other means.
3. Can I unhide a hidden drive later?
Yes, you can easily unhide a hidden drive later if needed. The same methods used to hide the drives can also be used to unhide them.
4. Will hiding a drive affect its functionality or data?
No, hiding a drive does not affect its functionality or data in any way. The files and folders within the hidden drive will remain intact and accessible if the appropriate steps are taken to unhide it.
5. Is it possible to hide specific folders instead of entire drives?
Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not have built-in features that allow you to hide specific folders within a visible drive from appearing in File Explorer directly.
6. Are there any risks associated with hiding drives in File Explorer?
While hiding drives itself is relatively safe, it’s important to exercise caution when making changes related to your system’s storage configuration or settings as an incorrect action could potentially lead to unintended consequences or data loss.
In conclusion,
Hiding discs in Windows 11 File Explorer provides additional privacy and organisation choices for your computer system by keeping specific partitions hidden while retaining their functionality behind the scenes.
Follow the instructions carefully and exercise caution when managing your system’s storage setup, whether you use built-in utilities like Diskpart or Disc Management or third-party tools intended expressly for this purpose.
You may customise your File Explorer interface and have more control over the drives that you use by using these methods.