How to create a hidden share folder on Windows 10

On Windows 10, hidden share folder are also referred as “Administrative shares,” and they’re traditional shared folders, but with the difference that they’re not visible when browsing with File Explorer, Run command, or when using any other app — unless you try to connect using the full path of the folder.

Typically, Windows 10 includes some Administrative shares, such as C$, IPC$, and ADMIN$, and it’s also a handy option to hide resources from users without completely blocking them access if they need to use them.

In this guide, you’ll learn the easy steps to create a hidden share folder on Windows 10.

How to set up a hidden share folder on Windows 10

To share files on your local network using the express settings, do the following:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the folder you want to share.

3. Right-click the folder and select the Properties option.

4. Click the Sharing tab.

5. Click the Advanced Sharing button.

   

6. Check the Share this folder option.

7. Under the “Settings” section, type a name share name and append the $ character at the end to make the folder hidden. (Usually, you don’t want to use spaces within the share name.)

   

8. Click the Apply button.

9. Click the OK button.

10. Click the Share button.

    

11. Use the drop-down menu to select the user or group to share the folder. For example, select the Everyone group.

12. Click the Add button.

13. Under the Permission Level section, select the type of sharing permissions you want the folder to have. For example, you can select Read (default) if you only want users to be able to view and open files. If you select Read/Write, users can view, open, modify, and delete the content on the folder you’re sharing.

    

14. Click the Share button.

15. Click the Done button.

16. Click the Apply button.

17. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the shared folder will be invisible using File Explorer on any computer. However, it’ll still be accessible using the folder path. For example, \\10.1.2.12\ShareSix$.