Free Hide Folder

Free Hide Folder is a free computer security software developed by Cleanersoft Software. It specifically caters to those looking to hide their private folders and protect sensitive data. The latest version, 3.5, boasts an easy-to-use interface that allows users to conceal folders with a few simple clicks. The program, available as a modest 876 KB download, supports multiple Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11. Other versions, such as 3.3 and 3.2, are also available.

Users looking to keep their personal data away from others will find this software very effective. By selecting a list of folders to hide and clicking the Hide button in the main menu, all selected folders will magically disappear from view. To access these hidden folders, a password — which can be changed or removed at any time — must be entered, ensuring that only authorized users have access.

Free Hide Folder installs its icons in the Start menu, making it somewhat transparent that something is being hidden. Some may consider this a minor drawback, but deleting the Start menu link can mitigate this issue. Furthermore, a lack of a right-click menu option for hiding folders and the necessity to use the program’s Add function to hide folders can be somewhat cumbersome. Similarly, you cannot simply double-click to view a hidden folder; the right-click menu within the program must be used.

The program's file names, fhf.exe, fhide.exe, and hf.exe, and its subcategory as a Privacy tool, further underscore its focus on security. While it might have some usability inconveniences, such as the absence of a direct way to hide folders via right-click and the required navigation through the program window to unhide folders, its effectiveness in keeping sensitive information out of sight cannot be understated.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Effective in hiding and protecting sensitive folders
• Simple and intuitive interface
• Supports a wide range of Windows operating systems
• Small file size (876 KB)

Cons:

• Icons in Start menu may reveal that folders are hidden
• Usability could be improved with right-click menu options
• Navigation to unhide folders could be streamlined

In conclusion, Free Hide Folder by Cleanersoft Software is a reliable and secure tool for hiding personal folders. Despite minor usability issues, its effectiveness in safeguarding private information and compatibility across various Windows versions make it a noteworthy choice for privacy protection.

You may want to check out more software, such as Hide Folder Ext, Free Folder Hider or Absolute Folder Hider, which might be similar to Free Hide Folder.