How to Hide and Unhide Hard Disk Volumes Using CMD on Windows 10 and Windows 11

I'd be glad to create a step-by-step guide on hiding and unhiding hard disk volumes using CMD commands for Windows 10 and 11, incorporating best practices and addressing potential risks:

Important Note:

• Hiding a drive letter makes the volume inaccessible through File Explorer, but the data remains on the disk. It's generally not recommended for everyday use as it can be confusing.
• Proceed with caution, especially if you're unsure which drive contains critical system files. Hiding the wrong drive could lead to unexpected behaviour.

Hiding a Hard Disk Volume:

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Press the Windows key + X, or right-click the Start button.
   • Select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
   • Click "Yes" if prompted for permission (User Account Control).

2. Identify the Volume:

   • Type diskpart and press Enter to launch the DiskPart utility.
   • Type list volume and press Enter to see a list of all disk volumes.
   • Note the volume number (Volume column) of the drive you want to hide.

3. Select the Volume:

   • Type select volume <number> (replace <number> with the actual volume number) and press Enter.
   • Verify you've selected the correct volume.

4. Remove Drive Letter:

   • Type remove letter <drive_letter> (replace <drive_letter> with the actual drive letter) and press Enter.
   • Example: remove letter G would hide drive G.

Unhiding a Hard Disk Volume:

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator (same steps as hiding)

2. Identify the Hidden Volume (Optional):

   • If you don't remember the volume number, use diskpart and list volume to view all volumes. Look for volumes with a No Letter status.

3. Select the Volume:

   • Type select volume <number> (replace <number> with the hidden volume number) and press Enter.

4. Assign a Drive Letter:

   • Type assign letter <drive_letter> (replace <drive_letter> with the desired drive letter) and press Enter.
   • Choose a drive letter that isn't currently in use.

5. Exit DiskPart:

   • Type exit and press Enter.

Additional Considerations:

• Alternative Method: You can also hide or unhide drives through Disk Management (accessible by searching for it in the Start menu). However, the CMD method offers more granular control.
• Rebooting May Be Necessary: In some cases, a system restart might be required for the changes to take full effect.
• Data Security: Hiding a drive letter doesn't encrypt or secure the data. Consider using encryption tools for sensitive information.

By following these steps carefully and considering the potential risks, you can effectively hide and unhide hard disk volumes using CMD commands on Windows 10 and 11.