How To Hide Files And Folders From Windows Search
In order to prevent other users from spying on your data when you share a computer, you may need to take additional security steps. You can conceal individual files and folders from Windows Search if you can't secure your user account with a password. These files will be inaccessible to anyone who doesn't have permission to see them explicitly
To get started, we'll show you how to hide specific files and folders from Windows search results. We can hide the search results that appear in the taskbar's search field by modifying Windows Settings and Indexing parameters.
1. Modify Windows Settings
Privacy settings in Windows Settings are the quickest and easiest way to block any files or folders from being indexed by search engines. To proceed, follow these instructions:
1. To open the Windows Settings window, press Win + I.
2. Select Privacy & Security from the left pane and click on Searching Windows on the right side of the window.
3. Go to Exclude folders from enhanced search section.
4. Select the Add an excluded folder button.
5. Choose the folder that you want to hide and click on the Select Folder button.
The Configuration window has now been closed for your convenience. Your selected file or folder is no longer visible in the search results. Please follow these steps if you ever need to remove this file or folder from the list of forbidden files.
- Perform step 1-3 again and locate the targeted file or folder in the list.
- Click on the three dots associated with it and choose Remove.
2. Modify the Indexing Preferences
Indexing in Windows search makes it easier to find things on your computer by creating a database of your computer's files. Because Windows doesn't have to search through every part of the operating system to discover a single file, it's like an index at the end of a big book; finding what you're looking for becomes much easier.
The indexing parameters can be easily changed to exclude certain file types (such as all MP4 files) from search results, if desired. Here's how to do it:
1. Type "Indexing options" in the search area of the taskbar and click open.
2. In the following dialog, click on the Advanced button as seen in the image below.
3. Head over to the File Type tab and look for the file type that you want to hid
4. Uncheck the box associated with it and Click OK.
