GiliSoft File Lock Pro simplifies the process of hiding sensitive folders and files on Windows systems (compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7), ensuring they remain invisible to unauthorized users—even in regular File Explorer or search tools. Whether you need to conceal personal photos, confidential work documents, or private data, this software provides intuitive methods to keep your files completely out of sight. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to hiding folders and files, along with tips for managing hidden items.

Step 1: Launch GiliSoft File Lock Pro and Verify the Master Password

Before hiding any items, ensure you can access the software using your Master Password (the core password set during initial software setup, which controls all protection settings):

1. Open GiliSoft File Lock Pro from your desktop shortcut, Windows Start menu, or by searching for the program.
2. When prompted, enter your Master Password and click OK to log into the main dashboard.

• Note: If you forget the Master Password, you may lose access to hidden items. Store it securely in advance (e.g., in a password manager).

Step 2: Hide Folders and Files via the Main Dashboard (2 Methods)

GiliSoft File Lock Pro offers two primary ways to hide folders and files: using the “Hide” wizard (for guided operation) or manual selection (for quick use). Both methods ensure hidden items are invisible in Windows File Explorer and third-party file managers.

Method 1: Use the “Hide” Wizard (Guided Operation)

This method is ideal for first-time users, as it walks you through selecting items and confirming visibility settings step by step:

1. On the main dashboard, locate and click the Hide Files/Folders button (usually marked with a folder/file icon paired with a “hide” symbol, such as a faded or crossed-out icon).
2. A wizard window titled “Hide Files and Folders” will pop up. Click Next to proceed to the item selection step.
3. In the file browser window:

• Navigate to the folder or file you want to hide (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\PrivateNotes or D:\Photos\FamilyVacation).
• Select single or multiple items: Hold the Ctrl key to pick multiple files/folders, or the Shift key to select a range of consecutive items.
• Click Add to move the selected items to the “Items to Hide” list.

4. After adding all the items you want to hide, click Next. The wizard will prompt you to confirm visibility settings:

• Ensure the “Completely hide selected items (invisible in File Explorer)” option is checked (this is the default setting).
• Avoid selecting “Partial Hide” (if available)—this option only restricts access rights and does not hide items.

5. Click Finish to apply the hide settings. The software will process the items immediately, and they will no longer appear in Windows File Explorer afterward.

Method 2: Hide via Right-Click Menu in File Explorer (Quick Hide)

If you need a more convenient way to hide files/folders without opening the software’s main dashboard, you can use the right-click menu directly in Windows File Explorer (the software automatically adds this shortcut option after installation):

1. Open Windows File Explorer (press the Win + E shortcut key) and navigate to the location of the folder or file you want to hide. For example:

• A desktop folder, a file in D:\WorkDocuments, or an item on an external USB drive.

2. Locate the target folder/file, then right-click it. In the pop-up right-click menu, find and select “Hide with GiliSoft” (or simply labeled “Hide”—the exact name may vary slightly by software version, but it usually includes the GiliSoft logo or identifier).
3. A GiliSoft verification window will pop up (to ensure authorized operation). Enter your Master Password and click OK.

• Instant Result: After verification, the selected folder/file will disappear from File Explorer immediately. To confirm, refresh the current directory or reopen File Explorer—the item will be completely invisible.

Step 3: Hide Items on External Drives (USB/Portable Hard Drives)

GiliSoft File Lock Pro also supports hiding folders and files on external storage devices (e.g., USB drives, portable hard drives), ensuring your data remains hidden even when the drive is connected to another computer:

1. Connect the external drive to your computer (ensure it is detected by Windows, e.g., labeled “Removable Disk (F:)”).
2. Open Windows File Explorer, find the external drive, double-click to access it, and locate the folder or file you want to hide.
3. Follow Method 2 (Right-Click Menu in File Explorer) above: Right-click the target item, select “Hide with GiliSoft,” and enter your Master Password for verification to complete the hiding process.

• Key Advantage: Hidden items on external drives remain invisible even when the drive is plugged into another Windows PC—only someone with GiliSoft File Lock Pro and your Master Password can unhide them.

Step 4: Verify That Hidden Items Are Truly Invisible

After hiding folders/files, confirm they cannot be accessed through regular methods:

1. Open Windows File Explorer (press Win + E).
2. Navigate to the original location of the hidden item (e.g., check your desktop if you hid a desktop folder, or open Drive D: if you hid an item there).
3. The hidden item should not appear in the file list—even if you enable “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” in the “View” tab of File Explorer (GiliSoft bypasses this Windows setting to ensure items stay truly hidden).
4. Try searching for the hidden item using Windows Search (press Win + S) or a third-party search tool (e.g., Everything). The item will not appear in the search results.

Step 5: Manage Hidden Items (Unhide, Pause/Resume Hiding)

When you need to access hidden folders/files or adjust their visibility, use the following management tools:

Unhide Specific Items

To make a hidden folder/file visible again, you must use the software’s main dashboard:

1. Open GiliSoft File Lock Pro and log into the main dashboard with your Master Password.
2. Go to the Hidden Items tab (a dedicated section listing all currently hidden files/folders, showing each item’s name, original path, and hiding time).
3. Locate the item you want to unhide: Use the search bar (if available) to quickly find it by name or path.
4. Right-click the item and select Unhide Selected Item (or “Set Visibility > Visible”).
5. Click Yes in the confirmation window. The item will immediately reappear in its original location in Windows File Explorer.

Pause/Resume Hiding for All Items

If you need to access multiple hidden items at once (e.g., during a work session), you can temporarily pause hiding for all items—no need to unhide them one by one:

1. On the main dashboard, click the Pause Hiding button (usually located at the top of the window, marked with a “pause” icon and the word “Visibility”).
2. A prompt window will appear. Enter your Master Password (to confirm authorization) and click OK.
3. All hidden items will temporarily become visible, allowing you to access, edit, or move them normally.
4. When you finish working, click the Resume Hiding button on the dashboard. The software will rehide all items, restoring their invisible status.

(Optional) Set a Shortcut Key for Quick Pause/Resume Hiding

For even faster access to pause/resume hiding, configure a custom shortcut key:

1. In GiliSoft File Lock Pro, go to Settings (located in the top menu bar, marked with a gear icon).
2. Select the Hotkeys tab and find the “Pause/Resume Hiding” option.
3. Click the “Set Hotkey” input box, then press your desired key combination (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + H). Ensure the combination does not conflict with other Windows shortcut keys.
4. Click Save to apply the shortcut key setting. From now on, you can press your custom key combination at any time to toggle hiding on or off (you will still need to enter your Master Password for security).

Important Notes About Hidden Items

• Do Not Hide System Files: Never hide system folders/files (e.g., C:\Windows, C:\Program Files). Hiding these can cause Windows to crash, prevent programs from running, or disrupt system updates.
• Safe Operation Before Uninstallation: If you decide to uninstall GiliSoft File Lock Pro, first unhide all items (via the “Hidden Items” tab). If you uninstall the software without unhiding items, they may remain invisible permanently—you will need to reinstall the software and use your Master Password to restore their visibility.
• Free Trial Functionality: The free trial version of GiliSoft File Lock Pro includes full hiding features. It is recommended to test with non-essential files first to familiarize yourself with the process before hiding sensitive data.

With GiliSoft File Lock Pro, hiding folders and files is simple, secure, and reversible. By following the steps above, you can ensure sensitive data remains hidden from others while maintaining easy access to it when you need it.