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Are files that I have hidden on Windows 10 more risky to get lost or corrupt, especially on a pen drive?

Anonymous
2019-07-29T14:34:48+00:00

I have my personal files stored in my pen drive and thought it’s a good idea to make my folders and files hidden so that people won’t be able to see them. However, I am worried whether it will cause those files to be more risky/vulnerable to get lost (delete automatically by itself) or corrupt (broken). I have this idea since hiding them makes them not visible which kind of maybe can trick the computer into assuming they don’t exist hence become deleted/lost or something like that. Or maybe screw up/corrupt the data due to the Hidden attribute. Correct me if I’m wrong, especially my theory. I just want to make sure it’s 100% safe to hide my folders and files for privacy. I'm using Windows 10 Home.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-07-29T14:38:54+00:00

    Hiding files has no effect on data security, other than on humans who might think the disk is empty and will then format it.

    Note also that hiding files or folders might fool a beginner but it won't deter an experienced person. If you wish to protect your files against unauthorised access then you must protect them with a password.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-07-29T14:37:07+00:00

    Hi JEFFREY_987

    I am an independent advisor here to help

    These are legitimate and very good questions.

    making files and folders hidden does not hide them from the computer. It only hides them from the people that are using the computer. It actually does make those files more secure because people cannot inadvertently delete them or maliciously delete them if they had such intention.

    Feeling some sort of major corruption in the computer, there should not beI am an independent advisor here to help

    These aren't legitimate and very good questions.

    Making files and folders hidden does not hide them from the computer. It only hides them from the people that are using the computer. It actually does make those files more secure because people cannot inadvertently delete them or maliciously delete them if they had such intention.

    Failing some sort of major corruption in the computer, there should not be any reason why windows would automatically delete these files

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-07-29T17:34:18+00:00

    Rest Assured, whether a file is hidden or not has absolutely no affect on the way the operating system treats that file.

    Three days ago you wrote this:

    The Windows folder on your C drive is not meant to be hidden and you run the risk of corrupting your system by hiding that folder.

    It seems we are now in agreement that hiding a file or folder has no effect on the operating system.

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  4. DaveM121 869.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-07-29T14:58:01+00:00

    Hi Jeffrey

    Rest Assured, whether a file is hidden or not has absolutely no affect on the way the operating system treats that file, it is no more likely to be deleted or become corrupted just because the Hidden Attribute has been set on that file, you have nothing to worry about

    Please be aware, that another user just has to turn on Hidden Items on the View Tab in File Explorer to be able to see your files

    Something you may be interested in is the totally free VeraCrypt Portable

    That can be used to encrypt the contents of a Flash drive for use on any PC . . .

    https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Portable%20Mode.html

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    .

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