Hide folder and unhide folder using command line (cmd)

 

Hide and Unhide a Folder Using CMD in Windows

Using the attrib command in Command Prompt

In Windows, we can hide or unhide a folder using the Command Prompt (CMD) with the help of the attrib command. This method is simple and does not require any third-party software.

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1. What is attrib Command?

The attrib command is used to display, set, or remove file and folder attributes.

Some important attributes:

• +h → Hide the file/folder

• -h → Unhide the file/folder

• +s → System file

• -s → Remove system attribute

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2. Steps to Hide a Folder Using CMD

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

• Press Windows + R

• Type cmd

• Press Enter

Or search Command Prompt in the Start menu.

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Step 2: Go to the Folder Location

Use cd command to navigate.

Example:

cd Desktop

If your folder is inside another folder:

cd Desktop\MyFolder

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Step 3: Hide the Folder

Use this command:

attrib +h FolderName

Example:

attrib +h Secret

Now the folder Secret will be hidden.

If you want stronger hiding (system + hidden):

attrib +h +s Secret

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3. How to Unhide the Folder Using CMD

To make the folder visible again:

attrib -h FolderName

Example:

attrib -h Secret

If you used system attribute also:

attrib -h -s Secret

Now the folder will be visible again.

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4. Important Notes

• Hidden folders can still be seen if:

  • "Show hidden files" is enabled in File Explorer.

• This method is not password protection.

• It is only basic privacy, not strong security.

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5. Advanced (Hide All Files Inside Folder)

To hide folder and all files inside it:

attrib +h +s FolderName /s /d

To unhide everything:

attrib -h -s FolderName /s /d

Where:

• /s → Applies to all files in subfolders

• /d → Applies to folders also

You can also add . for represent the entire directory is hide or unhide

attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.* => this is the all in one code that make the file unhide from hovering dire.