Since most versions of Windows do not include a method to password protect your files and folders, this page provides steps to encrypt your files and folders. To password protect your files and folders on Windows, you need to use a third-party program.
Advice. Before password-protecting any document, you can create a backup of your password-protected files and folders in case you forget your password in the future.
Microsoft Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10 users
Unfortunately, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 do not provide any features to protect file or folder passwords. To do this, you need to use a third-party program.
If you want to encrypt a file or folder, you can do so by following these steps:
Note. If the Encrypt content to protect data option isn't selected or displayed, or you don't see the option at all, you probably have a Home edition of Windows that doesn't support this feature. It is also possible that the hard drive where the files are located is not formatted as NTFS, as this is a requirement for the encryption feature.
Microsoft Windows XP Professional users
The following steps to encrypt files in Windows XP Professional apply to users who use the computer with two or more accounts. If you are using a single account, see Other Security Sections.
- Properties" .
- On the General tab, click the button Additionally" .
- Check the box " Encrypt content to protect data ».
- Click " Apply", and then " OK" .
Note. When you encrypt a folder in Windows XP Pro, you will not be prompted for a password. However, other user accounts on your computer will not have access to the files contained in the encrypted folder.
Content encryption for protected data is grayed out
Show "Encrypt" in context menu
The new version of TweakUI also allows you to display the Encrypt option in the context menu. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open TweakUI .
- In the TweakUI window, select " Conductor" .
- On the right side of the window, under Settings, find " Show" in the context menu and check the box. This parameter should be below "Shortcut to Prefix" for new shortcuts and higher. Show "View Workgroup Computers" in NetPlaces .
Microsoft Windows XP Home users
- Select the file or folder you want to encrypt.
- Right-click the file or folder and select " Properties" .
- Go to Sharing tab .
- Check the box Make this folder private .
- Click " Apply", and then " OK" .
Make this private folder inaccessible
For this option to work on Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, you must meet the following requirements.
- The hard drive must be formatted with NTFS and not with the FAT32 file system.
- The folder you are trying to encrypt is your personal folder. For example, if your name is Bean, you should encrypt the following folder or a folder inside it: C:\Documents and Settings\Bob\
Other solutions to protect your files and folders on Windows
Files and folders are not frequently used. An easy way to password protect files is to create an archive of the files using a compression tool. When the archive is created, you can encrypt the contents by specifying a password.
Windows ME and Windows XP users- Windows ME and Windows XP come with their own compression utility. This utility can also be used to compress and password protect files.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users- Windows Vista and Windows 7 also include a compression utility. However, password protection for compressed files is not possible without using a third-party program.
Advice. When a file is compressed, users can still view a list of files in the compressed file. If you want both your filenames and contents to be hidden, move all your files into one folder and a password will protect that folder.
Files and folders that are frequently used or accessed
If you need to password protect or encrypt data that you use frequently, you need to install a third-party program that allows you to protect your files and folders. Below are some free and commercial solutions.
- 7-Zip is a free utility for unpacking files and folders, which also includes the ability to protect passwords for encrypted files and folders.
- AxCrypt is an excellent free encryption utility that allows users to encrypt all files in a folder and prevent those files from being viewed unless the passphrase (password) is known.
- Folder Guard is a commercial version of password protection software that allows you to protect files, folders, and other Windows resources with passwords.
- Protected folder- for a small fee, this is a great program that allows you to protect your passwords.
Things to Remember When Encrypting or Password Protecting Files and Folders
- There is no such thing as a 100% secure file. There are many tools, utilities and instructions on how to break down encryption and passwords on files. However, the security methods listed above will protect your files from most users who might encounter them. If you work with truly sensitive data, we offer a commercial product to protect your files and data.
- Even though a file or folder may be password protected, it may still be deleted (unless the program supports the ability to protect files from being deleted). Always remember to back up all your files, even those protected by passwords.
- If you forget your password, unless you are willing to take the time to break it or pay someone else to break the password, all data in the file or folder will be lost. Thus, it is important to back up your password-protected files or folders, just in case.
Programs for setting a password for a folder
Easy File Locker
Easy File Locker is a free XOSLAB utility. Users add files and folders they want to protect in the list using the " Add file" and looking through their system.
Settings such as visibility and access can be changed on the fly from the tool's clean user interface - this is especially useful if you have a lot of files or folders on your system that need to be protected.
Privacyroot
Developed by PrivacyRoot, Secret Disk works by creating a virtual drive that can be password protected or simply made invisible to prying eyes.
SecretFolder
Instead of applying password protection to individual files, SecretFolder simply makes them invisible if the user is unable to log into the application using the specified password.
This is a good solution if you're hiding a birthday gift or a personal diary, but it's not strict enough to keep track of the really important stuff. Consider this tool best used for privacy on a shared computer rather than security.
My castle
My Lockbox is a tool that works best when the user intends to store all of their password-protected content in one place. Instead of picking and choosing individual files and folders to protect, the utility allocates one specific folder as a "lock" where sensitive content will be stored, similar to the folder lock process at the beginning of this article.
This is a great alternative to manual filing for anyone who doesn't have the confidence to do this procedure. However, its single-folder focus, as opposed to the flexibility of something like Easy File Locker, makes it less useful in a work environment. Also, at $29.95, the pro edition doesn't offer great value for money.
Hello beloved readers, sometimes a question arises how to put a password on a folder. In this article I will show you how to do this quickly and easily, and most importantly for free, using 2 simple programs that put a password on a folder and prevent it from being deleted. I have updated the article, now everything is definitely working and fresh!
How to put a password on a folder Windows 7, 8, 10?
1 Password Protect program
We install it, Russification is included in the kit, we install it too. You can set a password for a folder either in the program or by clicking on any folder. In the program, click simply block.
Select a folder to block.
Set a password for the folder.
All folders are locked.
To unlock it, you need to do the same steps.
Enter the password for the folder.
Click unlock and you will remove the password from the folder. You can also block a folder without going into the program. Right-click on it and select Password Protect USB.
And by entering the password, access to the folder will be blocked. If you try to enter the folder, the following error will appear.
2 Protected Folder program
During installation, it will ask you to enter a password for the program (password and hint). We do it for safety. Click Options to set the language to Russian.
Go to User Interface and select Russian language.
You can also uncheck the hide folder box. We only want to put a password on it, and not hide it.
Greetings to all blog readers. If you do most of your work on a computer where you are not the only one working, then in some cases it is better to protect personal information from unwanted viewing.
How to put a password on a folder or file is the topic of our article today. Unfortunately, Windows developers did not take care of such a simple function as the ability to set a password to access data. The maximum that they can offer you is to limit access to data to certain users. But since we are used to working at the computer through one user, this method will not give us anything. How to put a password on a folder?
2 Put a password on the folder 2nd method
Download the program Password Protect.
How to put a password on a folder using - Password Protect. Unpack the archive and run the program. This is a Portable version, so no installation is required.
Unpack one of archives 600kb. Go to the unpacked folder and run the program Password Protect The following window will open in front of us:
Click lock the folders. And select from the list the one for which you want to set a password.
Enter the same password twice and optionally leave a hint in case you forget the password.
All passwords are set. Now, when accessing a folder, you will need to enter a password. This way you can set passwords for any folders. Well, to hide files from prying eyes, place them in a folder with a password.
3 Folder password - 3rd method
We set a password using the popular archiver program WinRar. Since many data have an archiver installed, I will not provide a link to the program. If suddenly you don’t have this program, then just enter download in any search engine WinRar and download the program from the first link.
In this way, we put a password on the archive in which you can store files and other data together. Adding data to the archive
An archive creation window will open.
Go to the advanced tab and click Set password. A password setting window will open.
Enter the password twice. Don't forget to check the box - Encrypt file names and press OK.
We are creating an archive. Now, to open the created archive, you will need to enter a password.
One of the winners crossword competition maintains his own blog moneymaker's notes — I recommend checking it out 😉
Well, that’s all, now you know how to put a password on a folder or hide it. Happy holiday to everyone. Good luck!
Unfortunately, Windows does not provide the ability to protect a folder with a password. In many cases, a folder with a password would help protect important data from being viewed by strangers without any problems. I will discuss how to implement this on a laptop or computer in this article. The instructions are suitable for systems with Windows 7, 8 and 10
We will talk about free programs and their paid analogues, as well as some other methods ( without third party utilities) with which you can protect folders and valuable data in them with a password.
Free utilities and programs for setting a password for a folder
There are few such programs, but there are those that can easily help you put a password on a folder. I will conduct a mini review of the most worthy ones, and you yourself will choose which one is best for you. They should be compatible with popular versions of Windows OS. All links will be listed immediately in the article.
It is important to know that it is not necessary to install more than 1 program for such purposes. They may conflict with each other.
Anvide Seal Folder
Probably the most popular, free program that allows you to create a folder with a password. There is support for the Russian language. Download the archive and run it. Add to the list 1 or more folders that need to be protected with a password. Just drag them into the working window. Close access from the menu ( or press F5). Do this for all required files.
The settings allow you not only to encrypt the folder with a password, but also the data stored in it ( name, file size). All unsuccessful authorization attempts are remembered and shown if entered correctly.
You can easily check the remaining features yourself. The author of the program always helps if any problems arise.
WinMend Folder Hidden
A program with a very attractive interface that allows you to access folders using a password. There is Russian localization ( after installation and launch). Download and use for free.
Just a few control buttons. Apart from the color scheme and language, there are no settings. Drag a folder into the window and it will automatically become hidden. It can only be accessed from within the program.
The disadvantages include the lack of encryption without hiding folders.
SecretFolder
An equally simple program in English, but it has a very friendly interface that even an inexperienced user can understand. Download it and install it. Enter the password at 1st start. It will be required to enter the program where the protected folders will be located.
This password is also required when deleting ( For reliability, you can use recovery via Email address).
Once in the working window, you just need to drag the folder into it with the mouse or select it in the directory through the menu ( Add). Pay attention to the status. Lock - protected. Unlock - no protection. To gain access to the files again, you will need to go into the program and unlock the directory from here. The window below shows instructions that most likely will not be useful.
With these simple steps you can reliably block unauthorized access to a folder with valuable files.
DirLock
The easiest to use program, by installing it you can protect a folder immediately from the Windows Explorer context menu ( a new Lock/UnLock line will appear). There is nothing superfluous in it. Download it and lock the folder by entering the password 2 times. This must be done every time after viewing protected files.
All protected folders are displayed in the main program window. They can also be unlocked from here.
Convenient and safe solution.
Paid programs to protect folders
If free options are not suitable, then you can use paid ones. They are of course made of better quality and have more functionality, but you have to pay for it. I will consider the best programs in my opinion, and you decide which one is best for you.
Folder Guard
This program has a free trial period of 30 days. Russian language is available. Immediately after installation, you will be asked to enter a password to enter the program. To set a password for a folder, just drag it into the window. Each setup step is described in detail and no difficulties should arise. Download it and install it.
You can simply hide the folder, both regular and network, or you can set a password. It is possible to restrict access to different users. There is an emergency recovery function in case the password is forgotten.
There is even protection in safe mode. The program hides itself using the “Hidden” attribute. Hotkey calling is supported. Everything can be fine-tuned to suit your needs. Of the minuses, I would note that the certificate is in English.
In general, it is very convenient to use; in addition to setting a password, there are a lot of different options. They can really be useful in various situations.
IObit Protected Folder
The simplest of all paid programs to protect folders in your native language ( selectable in settings). 20 trial runs. Supports all current versions of Windows. From the picture below you can see that it will not cause any difficulties in use.
There are several additional options in the options. I liked this program more than all the others. Convenient, fast, safe and there is nothing superfluous. Download it and try it yourself.
My Lockbox
Another program from a Russian developer that will allow you to easily protect your important data. There are no bells and whistles in it. When starting for the first time, you will be required to enter a password. Access to all folders will be opened after entering it. There is a recovery service via Email ( not necessary). Download and test.
The interface has only a few main buttons. It is possible to set a filter for trusted processes. Lots of themes. The functionality is similar to other programs.
- Install—adds protection to the folder.
- Clear - deletes it.
It is possible to use for free with only 1 folder. The paid version removes this limitation and adds user support.
Locking a folder with a password inside the archive
You can encrypt your virtual hard disk or flash drives. If you forget your password, it will be almost impossible to recover your data. A reliable method of protection using Windows without third-party programs.
Microsoft script for setting a password for a folder
An unreliable method, the protection of which is very easily circumvented by simply turning on the display of hidden Windows system files. However, this is also the case in this article, as otherwise the folder is accessed using a password that was previously set. The advantage of this method is that you do not need to download any third-party applications.
What else can you do
In Windows, although there is no built-in function for setting passwords for folders, you can get by by simply creating a second user and setting a password for the account. In addition to this, limit rights. A fairly simple and effective method of data protection. However, an experienced user can handle this too.
I would also advise encrypting it. This can be done using the same Bitlocker utility or similar ones. There is also a disadvantage here in that the section can simply be deleted and the data will be lost.
Of all the above, the most reliable way to protect a folder is encryption. But here, if you forget your password, you yourself lose access to the data. I add the folder to the archive and encrypt it. I think this is much more convenient and safer than everything else. It all depends on who needs to hide the information. There is no 100% protection against everyone.
I hope you have found a solution to your problem. I will answer all questions in the comments.
Which method did you use?
In some cases, the user may need to set a password for a partition or file without blocking access to the entire system. How to put a password on a folder? The issue can be resolved either using standard operating system tools or external software.
What are passwords for?
Most often, separate folder protection is required in the following cases:
- Device sharing. In this case, users want to protect personal data (photos, videos, documents) from viewing and copying.
- Installation ban. By blocking access to system files, the administrator can restrict the installation of new applications and the use of old ones.
- File modification protection. By closing access to a network folder, for example, at the end of the working day, you can be sure that no one will add anything unnecessary to the finished report.
Unfortunately, despite the excellent protection of k3CfJyNY$3pZRj or *q3y#GwuZvTpd@, the average user would never use something like this.
The basic rules for creating a secure one look like this:
- use at least six characters;
- inclusions of numbers, spaces and special characters will make it very difficult for attackers to brute force;
- do not use commonly used words, names or personal information;
- do not use one password for several important services;
- Don't use keyboard shortcuts like qwerty as your password.
It is important that passwords for key services (main mail, webmoney account, working CMS) are unique and not repeated. Consider how important the storage contents are to you. If there are funny pictures from the Internet, the usual zxcvbn will suffice. Do you store the results of several years of research in a password-protected folder? Try to remember the ten-digit character set and do not forget to update your backup on a password-protected flash drive once a week.
To quickly come up with and remember complex passwords, you can use your own algorithms, for example, adding a prefix or postfix to the name of the service. If all your passwords start with 232Kj and end with 16A, then the gmail password will look like 232Kjgmail16A. Security can easily be compromised by losing two or three passwords, so this simple method is only suitable for low-value tasks.
How to protect a folder on a computer or laptop with Windows 10, 8, 7, XP
For PCs running Windows, the built-in BitLocker software is responsible for encryption. Strictly speaking, it does not protect specific partitions, but works with the entire hard drive. The method is suitable for Pro, Enterprise and Ultimate systems; for other versions of Windows, Bitlocker is disabled.
Why doesn't Windows support system passwords by default? The issue is US laws that do not allow the export of hack-resistant algorithms with a key length of more than 40 bits. Delivering easy-to-hack protection along with the operating system is harmful to the company's reputation, so to solve specific problems you have to make do with third-party solutions.
Using standard tools
There is no direct way to password-protect access to a desired folder in OS Windows. However, there is a workaround using Disk Management and built-in encryption.
- Press Win+R and go to system management by typing diskmgmt.msc (or enter by right-clicking on the Start menu - Disk Management).
To put a password on a folder using standard Windows tools, you will have to create a virtual hard disk - Create a virtual disk of the required size by following the program's instructions.
To do this, we will have to allocate a certain amount of disk space for the virtual disk - Initialize and format it by clicking “Create Simple Volume” in the empty space. Once complete, you should have a new drive.
After creation, our virtual disk needs to be formatted - In Windows Explorer, right-click the drive and select Turn on BitLocker.
But we can already password protect the entire disk, even if it is virtual, using the standard Windows BitLocker encryption wizard - The wizard that appears will ask you to specify a password and select a recovery and encryption method.
From the proposed unlocking methods, select unlocking using a password - Ready. Now, in order to gain access to the disk, the user will have to enter the set password every time after shutting down or removing it from the system.
This is what the end result will look like
Remember that the data storage is physically located on one of the hard drives. Deleting a safe will erase all contents.
This way you can encrypt not only virtual, but also real hard drives and external drives. The downside is that the password is actually placed on a separate entire drive instead of just one folder. In most cases, this is just an interesting gimmick instead of actually solving the problem.
Using additional programs
You can also use third-party software to protect a specific folder on a disk. Recommended programs are selected for ease of use and security.
Anvide Seal Folder
The clear leader among free programs. ASF (formerly Anvide Lock Folder) is a window where you can add and exclude folders that need protection using the interface menu at the top.
ASF not only allows you to install protection on the desired folders but also hides them An interesting property of the program is that in the future you can open folders only through it - encrypted folders become hidden for all users.
No problems were found in installation and configuration on the latest version of Windows 10 in May 2018. You can download the distribution kit on the official website.
Video: Using Anvide Seal Folder
Folder Guard
A slightly more complex paid program that has been developing since 1997. If the functionality of ASF is not enough, Folder Guard provides a number of features in addition to protecting folders and files.
Folder Guard is a more advanced tool with more features available FG can be used to protect access to USB, disk drive and other devices, controls the Windows control panel, and offers differentiation of access rights for different users.
A significant disadvantage is that the application is paid You can try the trial version of Folder Guard for free; the full version will cost from $40 to $80.
Other programs
Another simple, and at the same time, incorrect way to password protect a folder is archiving. Popular archivers 7zip and WinRar allow you to protect a new archive with a password, blocking access to everyone else.
There are other applications for installing protection Video: setting a password using WinRar
You may also find this material about using CCleaner useful:.
How to install protection on Apple devices
Apple gadgets have built-in tools for installing protection.
Create a password for a folder on MacBook
MacOS and MacOSX offer their own built-in methods for protecting information. The system works with an encrypted copy or “image” of the folder, which is password protected. To create an image, do the following:
How to password protect a folder on iPhone (iOS)
Using the system, the password is set in several steps:
For more serious access restrictions without jailbreak, download the Lockdown, Appcontrol or iAppLock application from the AppStore,
Installing protection on folders in Android mobile devices
Android OS is designed based on Linux, inheriting its structure. Working with files and folders is possible both using standard tools and using File Commander. To protect folders on Android, you need to use third-party applications.
Applock tool
The biggest plus of this application is the multiple ways to protect your data Video: detailed instructions for using the AppLock application
A popular multi-platform application for access control and system security. Can work both with individual folders/files and with applications. There are several types of protection, from graphic password to fingerprints.
LOCKit app
Very easy to use app with lots of features A simple and beautiful program to protect applications and files from unauthorized access. Many functions, easy setup and control of social networks.
The interface is as simplified as possible. The user is offered a choice of two types of protection: a traditional digital password or a graphic key.
After you have chosen the protection method, the main screen will be divided into two columns, one of which will display blocked applications and folders, and the other, applications and folders with free access. To place a file or application in a protected list, simply click on the corresponding icon.
Gallery Lock
This application will be of interest primarily to those users who are concerned about the contents of their photo gallery Protect images in the gallery from being viewed. Wide functionality and a user-friendly interface will be useful for those who only care about access to photos out of all the contents of the phone.
- When you first launch the application, you will need to enter a PIN code. The default is 7777.
- Next you will see a group of albums, also created by default.
- At the bottom of the screen, click on the “Add Folder” icon, give it a name, and click “OK.”
- Go to the folder. At the bottom of the screen, click on the “Add photo/video” icon.
- Select the images and videos that you would like to hide, click on the green plus sign in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Selected photos and videos will become invisible without entering a password.
Video: How to use the Gallery Lock app
Setting a password for a folder on a USB drive
Both the standard Windows BitLocker and the MacOS image system can handle the task of completely password-protecting a flash drive. However, both methods have their drawbacks, so it is better to use external applications to protect your USB drive.
In addition to the already mentioned PC programs, TrueCrypt provides the best protection. The application allows you to select any of the open encryption algorithms and block access to both one folder or file, and the entire drive. The downside is that the interface is not the most user-friendly and the settings are complicated.
Not the most user-friendly application, but it copes with its tasks “excellently” For older 32-bit systems, we can recommend the MyFolder project, which allows you to work both with data on the computer and with external devices. The biggest and, perhaps, the only plus is the speed of encryption on any hardware; the disadvantages are the weak encryption algorithm and the impossibility of using it on modern PCs.
If you don't have the newest computer, this application is what you need. What to do if your password is forgotten
Password recovery depends on the encryption method and platform. Good apps won't let you open the folder - after all, that's what you installed them for.
Some applications create a special recovery file or allow you to register an email to send a message. Please note that such files are the direct equivalent of a spare pair of keys to your safe, so you should not put them in a folder “ALL PASSWORDS HERE” or something similar. Ideally, save all important accesses on several media (sheet of paper, small flash drive) and store them in a safe place.
A forgotten password in most cases is not an obstacle to deleting data, so you can always format the disk or delete the storage without repeating mistakes in the future.
In what cases is it impossible to set a password?
Most often, a password for a folder or disk cannot be set if it belongs to another user with equal or superior rights. This problem also occurs when reinstalling the system - the old files were created by another user.
To fix the problem in Windows, set access to the folder for yourself.
If the folder or drive was created by another user, you must add yourself to the list of users with access In cases where this does not help, make a copy of the folder or file, and then delete the original using IObit Unlocker or its equivalent.
You need to delete the original password-protected folder using this application Storing many folders on your computer often leads to a cluttered hard drive. Find out how to check and optimize HDD performance using the HDDScan program in our article:.
In most cases, standard programs for setting a password on a folder or file are imperfect. Use additional software for work or try to get around the problem from the other side, for example, different users on the same computer can be separated by standard OS tools so that they won’t even know about each other, and the attacker who stole the phone can be stopped at the stage of entering the password .
If you decide to use encryption and password protection, remember that all good security methods are not without cost - that's the point of installing security. If you forget your password, you will lose everything in the storage, so think about a recovery method in advance.
