Wise Folder Hider is a Windows privacy utility for hiding files and folders, storing data in encrypted lockers, and restricting operations on files that remain visible. These functions work differently: hiding removes an item from ordinary browsing, a locker holds files inside an encrypted container, and locking controls what can be done to a selected file.
The program requires a login password before its main window opens. You can also assign separate passwords to individual hidden items, USB devices, encrypted lockers, and locked files.
Hiding files, folders and USB drives
Files and folders can be added by dragging them into Wise Folder Hider, selecting them with the Hide File or Hide Folder controls, or using the program’s commands in the Windows context menu. The protected items disappear from File Explorer while remaining listed inside the password-protected application.
Opening a hidden item and unhiding it have different results. Open makes the file or folder temporarily visible so you can use it; closing Wise Folder Hider hides it again. Unhide restores normal visibility permanently, so hiding must be applied again if you want to protect that item later.
The Hide USB Drive function extends hiding to data on a connected USB device. You select the removable drive in the application and can give it a secondary password. Its Open and Unhide commands provide temporary access or remove the hiding protection, respectively.
Wise Folder Hider’s encrypted lockers
Wise Folder Hider encrypts data through lockers. You create a locker with a name, storage location, and capacity, then move the files and folders you want to protect into it. The capacity is fixed when the locker is created, so it needs enough room for the material you intend to keep there.
Mounting a locker makes its contents available for opening, adding files, and editing. Unmounting it returns the contents to their encrypted state. An existing locker can be brought back into the application with Open if it is absent from the list; this selects the locker file rather than creating another container.
Lockers can also be stored on removable media. Opening one on another computer requires Wise Folder Hider and the correct locker password.
The Free edition limits encrypted storage to 50 MB. Pro removes that application limit, allowing larger lockers within the available storage space.
File locks
Locking leaves a file visible in File Explorer while restricting its use. Wise Folder Hider can block reading, writing, renaming, copying or moving, deletion, and execution.
In the Lock Files area, you add files, choose the protection properties, and optionally assign a separate password. The properties can be changed later from the file’s menu. Multiple files can be selected together when adding them.
Unlock removes the restrictions but keeps the entry in Wise Folder Hider so it can be locked again. Removing the entry from the program also removes its lock protection; adding it again is necessary to protect it through that list afterward. The Free edition supports five locked files, while Pro removes that limit.
