To hide files from specific users on a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, you can’t simply rely on the “hidden” attribute — because that hides files from all users. Instead, you need to use file and folder permissions (NTFS permissions) to restrict access so that only certain users can see or modify them.

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🔐 Goal

Make certain files or folders invisible or inaccessible to specific user accounts, while allowing access to others.

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✅ Step-by-Step Guide: Hide Files from Specific Users in Windows

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🧰 Method: Use NTFS Permissions to Restrict Access

📁 Step 1: Open File Properties

1. Navigate to the file or folder you want to hide.
2. Right-click it > Properties.

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🔒 Step 2: Open Security Tab

1. In the Properties window, click the Security tab.
2. Click Advanced at the bottom.

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👤 Step 3: Change Ownership (Optional but Recommended)

If the file is owned by another user:

1. Click Change next to Owner.
2. Enter your username or Administrator, check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects, then click OK.

This ensures you have full control over permission settings.

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🛡️ Step 4: Remove User Permissions

1. Back in the Security tab, click Edit to change permissions.
2. In the Permissions for [filename] window:

• Select the user account(s) you want to block.
• Click Remove.

1. Optional: Uncheck Allow permissions like Read & Execute, List folder contents, etc., if you don’t want to fully remove the user yet.

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✅ Step 5: Apply Changes to Subfolders (if applicable)

When editing permissions on a folder:

• Check the box labeled Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object.
• Click Apply > OK.

This ensures that the permissions apply to all files inside the folder.

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🚫 Result:

After removing or restricting permissions:

• The specified user will not be able to:
• See the file/folder in File Explorer
• Access it through search
• Open it directly

They will get an Access Denied error when trying to interact with it.

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🧪 How to Test It

1. Log in as the restricted user.
2. Try to open the file or folder.
3. You should see one of these:

• The file doesn’t appear at all
• You get an Access is denied message

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🧩 Bonus: Hide Entire Folders Using Encryption (EFS)

If you’re using Windows Pro or Enterprise, you can also encrypt files so only certain users can access them:

Steps:

1. Right-click the folder > Properties.
2. Click Advanced.
3. Check Encrypt contents to secure data.
4. Click Apply.
5. When prompted, back up the encryption certificate.

Only users with the decryption key can access the encrypted files.

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📝 Summary Table

Method	Description	Applies To
NTFS Permissions	Block specific users from viewing/accessing files	All Windows versions
File Encryption (EFS)	Encrypt files so only certain users can open them	Windows Pro/Enterprise only
Hidden Attribute	Hides files from all users	Not user-specific

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⚠️ Important Notes

• Always ensure you keep an administrator-level account with access to hidden/protected files.
• Don’t remove permissions from your own account unless you know what you’re doing.
• Hidden ≠ secure: A knowledgeable user may still bypass restrictions using elevated tools or recovery disks.
• For sensitive documents, combine encryption + permissions for better security.

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🧾 Want a Script?

Would you like a PowerShell script to automate hiding a folder from specific users? Let me know your folder path and the usernames you’d like to block, and I can generate one for you!