How to Hide a File or Folder from Search Results in Microsoft Windows

This How.com.vn article will teach you the steps to hiding a file or folder (de-indexing it) from your PC's search results in Microsoft Windows.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

1
Open File Explorer. Click the File Explorer
taskbar icon which resembles a file folder.
- Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win+E keys simultaneously.
This method works for both files and folders.
3
Open the item Properties. Right-click the item and click Properties from the context menu.
- You can also click the "Properties" option in the ribbon, which is present in the Windows 10 and 8 File Explorer.
Click the Advanced button towards the bottom of the Properties window, on the same line as "Attributes:" and the checkboxes.
5
Uncheck:
- For files: allow this file to have contents indexed in addition to file properties
- For folders: allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties
7
Click the OK or Apply button in the Properties window.
- The only difference between the two is that clicking OK will save your changes and close the window, whereas Apply will save your changes while leaving the Properties window open.
You'll be asked to confirm that you want to disable indexing. Ensure the radio button next to "Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files" is selected, then click OK.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Click the Start
button or search bar to initiate the search feature, type indexing options, then choose the matching result.^{[1]XResearch source}
5
Navigate down the hierarchy until you find the folder you wish to de-index. Use the > button to expand down the tree.
- If wanted, uncheck folders along the way.
Unchecking a folder will de-index everything placed underneath it in the hierarchy.
7
Click the OK button. It's at the bottom of the Indexed Locations window.
It's at the bottom of the Indexing Options window.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

1
Open File Explorer. Click the File Explorer
taskbar icon which resembles a file folder.
- Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win+E keys simultaneously.
This method works for both files and folders.
It's located at the top of the File Explorer window.
It's in the "Show/hide" portion of the ribbon.
It's in the "Show/hide" portion of the ribbon.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

1
Open Windows Explorer. Click the File Explorer
taskbar icon which resembles a file folder.
- Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win+E keys simultaneously.
- In Windows XP, a shortcut to Explorer can be found under "start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer".^{[2]XResearch source}
This method works for both files and folders.
Right-click the item and click Properties from the context menu.
It's towards the bottom of the Properties Window.
6
Click the OK or Apply button in the Properties window.
- The only difference between the two is that clicking OK will save your changes and close the window, whereas Apply will save your changes while leaving the Properties window open.
You'll be asked to confirm that you want to hide it. Ensure the radio button next to "Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files" is selected, then click OK.
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