We’ve been collecting pictures for a long time now, and let’s be honest, how many of those images we’ve properly named? Since the operating system started offering thumb previews, we don’t care about the file name. So, if they aren’t relevant, why even have them.
Apparently Microsoft has known this for a while and incorporated an option to hide file names from images files inside folders. However, unless the folder is already configured as optimized for pictures, you won’t see the option.
How to hide file names for photos inside folders
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Open any folder, they can contain any kind of documents and files.
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Right-click and select Customize this folder.
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Under “What kind of folder do you want? Optimize this folder for:”, choose Pictures.
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Click Apply.
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Click OK.
Quick Note: If the folder contains subfolders to propagate the settings to those folders as well, check Also apply this template to all subfolders option. -
Return to the folder in question, right-click anywhere, select View and you’ll notice a new option at the bottom called “Hide file names”.
Voila, now you’ll only see pictures and none of the nonsense names, but keep in mind that this only works for images, you’ll still be able to see folder and documents file names.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].