Privacy Files Manager

Privacy Files Manager is a lightweight Windows desktop application written in native C++ that allows you to securely hide files and folders. Note: This application is for Windows only.

Unlike standard Windows hidden files, this application utilizes icacls Windows Access Control Lists (ACL) and System+Hidden file attributes. This means that even if a user has "Show hidden files" or "Show protected operating system files" enabled in Windows Explorer, the hidden items remain completely locked and inaccessible (Access Denied) via the UI.

Features

• Native C++: Built using the Win32 API, ensuring zero external dependencies and an extremely lightweight footprint.
• Advanced Hiding: Applies FILE_ATTRIBUTE_HIDDEN and FILE_ATTRIBUTE_SYSTEM.
• ACL Lockdown: Denies user permissions so the file/folder cannot be opened, copied, or deleted from the UI while it's hidden.
• Easy Recovery: Keeps a track of your hidden items in %APPDATA%\privacy-files\backup.txt so you can easily unhide them from the app interface.

Build Instructions (Mingw / GCC)

1. Make sure you have g++ installed (e.g., via MSYS2).
2. Run the build.bat script.
3. The script will compile the code and generate a standalone PrivacyFiles.exe.

build.bat

How to Use

1. Open PrivacyFiles.exe.
2. Browse for a file or folder in the Hide New Item section.
3. Click HIDE. The file will disappear from Explorer and become locked.
4. To restore, select the item from the Hidden Items list and click UNHIDE.