If your first goal is simply to hide a private folder, start with free Windows options. They can help with casual privacy on a shared PC, but hiding is different from real access control. For sensitive folders, File Lock Pro gives you hiding plus locking, read-only protection, and stronger security options.
Right-click a folder, open Properties, and mark it as hidden. This is quick and free, but it only hides the folder from normal view. Anyone can reveal it by showing hidden items.
This reduces casual visibility for family or shared-computer use. It is not protection, because the setting can be changed back in seconds.
Renaming and moving folders can reduce accidental discovery, but it relies on obscurity. Windows search, recent files, and thumbnails may still expose clues.
If every person has a separate account, permissions can help keep a folder private. This is more reliable than simple hiding, but it can be awkward on shared family PCs or small offices.
This can work when you rarely edit the files. It becomes inconvenient when the folder changes every day because you need to package and unpack it repeatedly.