How to Create a Secret Folder Using Notepad

Last Updated: August 14, 2019

Keeping a folder secret or out of reach of others in your computer (running on Windows operating system only) usually becomes more difficult if a common computer is used by all family members. But after reading this article, You'll not only be able to create a secret hidden folder but also It'll be a password protected folder, until unless user don't enter exact password. Your folder won't open. So, let's see how to do this. Follow the steps below.

Steps

1
Open Notepad. If you aren't sure where it's located on your computer, press ⊞ Win+R. Type notepad and press ↵ Enter.

2

Copy and paste the code given below carefully:

Quote:
Quote: cls
@ECHO OFF
title Folder Private
if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" goto UNLOCK
if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER
:CONFIRM
echo Are you sure you want to lock the folder(Y/N)
set/p "cho=>"
if %cho%==Y goto LOCK
if %cho%==y goto LOCK
if %cho%==n goto END
if %cho%==N goto END
echo Invalid choice.
goto CONFIRM
:LOCK
ren Private "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
echo Folder locked
goto End
:UNLOCK
echo Enter password to unlock folder
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%== password goto FAIL
attrib -h -s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
ren "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" Private
echo Folder Unlocked successfully
goto End
:FAIL
echo Invalid password
goto end
:MDLOCKER
md Private
echo Private created successfully
goto End
:End

3
Save the file with any name followed by extension .bat. (For example: XXX.bat)
4
Double-click the XXX.bat file icon. It'll create a folder for you under the name 'Private'.
5
Open the folder, place whatever files/folders you want to keep out of reach of others and close the folder.
6
Double-click 'XXX.bat' file icon.
7
Type Y and press ↵ Enter key. It'll hide your the folder immediately.
- Now, nobody will be able to see that folder anywhere in your computer.
8
To see the folder again, double-click the XXX.bat icon again. It'll open following window shown in the image. It'll ask you type password to open the folder.
- Type the password. Default password set is "password". Then press the ↵ Enter key.
- Open the folder, you can see your data there.
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I set a password for my folder?

Community Answer

In the part : set/p "pass=>" if NOT %pass%== password goto FAIL, change the word 'password' to whatever you want.
Question

If a text locker file is deleted by mistake, how can I recover the data that I locked in the private folder?

Community Answer

Go to the folder the hidden file was in, press view (at the top) and check hidden items.
Question

If the name does not change on a newly created folder when I change line 4, is there somewhere else I am supposed to change the name as well?

Community Answer

I think line 4 is just to give the batch file a title. To change the folder name from "Private" to something else, you need to replace the word "Private" in lines 6, 17, 26, and 33.
Question

How do I open a .bat file that I create in Notepad?

Community Answer

Right-click the .bat file and you'll see quite a few options, click the one called "Edit."
Question

The folder is not totally hidden in my Windows 8. How do I make it disappear?

Plnk Nino

Community Answer

Make sure the choice (Hidden Items) is not checked or activeated in the View tab at the top of the screen where your folder is saved.
Question

How do I create a secret folder using notepad that nobody can delete?

Community Answer

You cannot do that, as Notepad is easily openable and editable. You should try other programming software for that purpose.
Question

Can I make con folder using this command?

Community Answer

To make a con, aux, prn, nul, or other folders like that, type this into command prompt: cd md con\
Question

I have forgot my password and I have locked the notepad in side that hidden folder is there any way to retrieve the data or unlock the folder now?

Community Answer

Right click your secret folder and click edit and In the file : set/p "pass=>" if NOT %pass%== password goto FAIL, change the password to whatever you want.

Warnings

You may need administrative privileges in order to open command prompt. Better login to your computer system as an administrator.

Thanks!
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
Your folder exists all because of 'XXX.bat' file. Keep it safe in your computer and never ever delete it. Otherwise, you won't be able to open the folder again and may loose data you placed inside the folder.

Thanks!
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 3