Working from home has enabled a new workflow for people in almost every field. These days, you’re getting things done from your PC at home or your laptop at work. Meanwhile, your little ones are also taking online classes using the same set of devices. That’s why it’s important to keep confidential files and folders secure with a password in Windows 10 to prevent them from being accidentally overwritten, accessed, or deleted.
Windows 10 packs a natural way of securing files and folders, but it’s buried deep inside. Plus, your account is protected from unauthorized access with a password and even encryption if you use services like BitLocker to encrypt your entire device.
If you don’t follow the right steps, your sensitive information like personal photos/videos, banking information or anything you don’t want anyone to access could fall into the wrong hands. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to password protect folders in Windows. Using the tips below, you can easily add an authentication layer on sensitive information in Windows 10.
Use File Manager advanced options
First, we will use a simple and effective way to password protect a file or folder in Windows 10. Before we begin, let me warn you that this method is best suited for consumers. common use. If you intend to secure large-scale or important documents, then you should invest in specialized encryption software.
Follow the steps below to secure files on Windows 10.
Step 1: Open File Manager on Windows 10.
Step 2: Navigate to the file or folder that you want to secure. Right click on it.
Step 3: From the context menu, scroll to the bottom and press Properties.
Step 4: Now select the checkbox that says Encrypt content for data security and click Apply.
When you do, Windows will ask you to choose whether to lock the folder or the folder containing all the content. Once the process is complete, you’ll be prompted to back up your encryption key if you haven’t used the feature before. Use a password manager to save the encryption key.
Once the backup is done, your files are now secure. They are encrypted with the key associated with your Windows user account. Windows will throw up a meaningless text whenever someone tries to access those files.
You can also opt for the Windows BitLocker feature, but there are two limitations with this feature. First, it’s only available for Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users. Unfortunately, Home users are not able to access it. Second, BitLocker is not limited to a single file or folder. It protects the entire drive.
If you don’t want to use the native Windows way, then you can always opt for third-party apps from the web.
Using WinRAR
WinRAR is a file encryption and compression tool that is freely available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Follow the steps below to password protect a file or folder using WinRAR on Windows 10.
Step 1: Download and install WinRAR from the link below.
Step 2: After installing WinRAR, you can go to File Manager and navigate to the file or folder that you want to protect.
Step 3: Right click on it and select Add to Archive.
Step 4: That will create a new, smaller file containing exactly the contents of the original file or directory.
Step 5: From the following menu, select Set Password in the bottom right corner.
Step 6: A new pop-up window will open. Enable Filename Encryption and enter a password. Click Ok at the bottom.
This process will leave you with the root directory and the password-locked RAR file. You will need to keep WinRAR on your computer to open it. You can go ahead and delete the original file or folder.
WinRAR is one of the best free programs for this task. You can also choose commercial software like Protected Folder or Protected Folder, but these come with a price tag.
Folder lock software
Folder Lock is another neat piece of software to secure files and folders on PC. It allows users to Lock and Password Protect data from unwanted access and visibility by blocking access to files, folders, drives and programs.
The software has an easy-to-use user interface and UX, allowing one-click data protection right from the Menu. With Folder Lock, users can encrypt their files using 256-bit military-grade encryption technology.
Step 1: Download and install Folder Lock software according to the link below.
Step 2: Open the software and add the master password.
Step 3: Select Add item to Lock.
Step 4: You can add files, folders, drives to the software.
Step 5: Use those options or drag and drop files in the software.
Close the application and you will not see the added files in the File Manager. Whenever you want to access those files or folders, open the Folder Lock app and add a master password to access the files.
There is a limitation with Folder Lock; Only files less than 4GB in size can be locked or encrypted.
Secure files and folders on Windows 10
The safest files on your PC are often prime targets for malicious intent. Password protecting your sensitive folders is a basic security habit. Think of it as a virtual vault that encrypts any additional files or folders you need to keep safe. Go through the tips above and learn how to create a password-protected folder to protect your precious files and keep snoopers away.
Next: Struggling to make Windows 10 remote desktop work for you? Read the post below to learn troubleshooting ways to fix the problem.
Categories: How to
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