By password protecting a folder on Windows 11, you can essentially create a barrier between the data and anyone who tries to access it without permission. After all, not all files are seen by everyone, and locking a folder ensures that only authorized individuals have access to it. Well, password protecting a folder on Windows 11 is quite simple.
Besides, the password protection of the folder prevents accidental deletion and also protects the folder in case of a breach. Furthermore, Windows provides data security with a built-in encryption tool, BitLocker. However, you must have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise edition to use this encryption tool, which most people don’t have.
But don’t worry! If you are using Windows 11 Home edition, we will present a simple yet effective way to password protect folders. Let’s dive in.
How to lock a folder on Windows 11 with built-in encryption
You can encrypt files and folders using Windows 11’s built-in encryption feature. So here’s how to create a password folder on Windows 11. If you’re running a previous version, our guide to password protected folder in Windows 10 will be useful.
Note: The steps to encrypt files on Windows 11 are the same as the steps to encrypt folders.
Step 1: Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to password protect.
Step 2: Right click on the folder and select ‘Show more options’. Now go to Properties.
Step 3: In the General tab, click Advanced next to Properties.
Step 4: Check the box next to ‘Encrypt content to secure data’ Under Compression or Encryption properties and click OK.
If the ‘Encrypt content for data security’ option is greyed out, follow the steps below or go directly to Step 8.
Step 5: Open Run or click ‘Win key + R’ and type ‘services.msc.’
Step 6: Double-click ‘Encrypt File System (EFS)’.
Step 7: In the General section, click the drop-down next to Startup Type and select Automatic.
Step 8: Now, click Apply and then click OK.
A restart of the computer is required for the changes to take effect. If you’re on Windows 10, check out our guide on how to encrypt a drive by bypassing TPM.
Tip: You can also create personalized run commands for Windows.
How to remove added password from folder on Windows 11
Removing a password from a file or folder on Windows 11 is quite simple. In addition, if you find it difficult to remember the password, you can also hide files and folders in Windows instead of password protecting them.
Follow the steps below to remove folder encryption:
Step 1: Navigate to the file or folder you want to decrypt and right click on it.
Step 2: Now, go to Properties.
Step 3: In the General tab, click Advanced next to Properties.
Step 4: Uncheck the ‘Encrypt content for data security’ option.
Step 5: Click Apply and Ok.
Bonus: Use third-party software to create password-protected folders on Windows 11
Third-party tools or software can help you secure your files and folders if you don’t want to follow the steps outlined above or might want to get things done faster.
While third-party software doesn’t offer the same security as Windows, they make up for it with lots of features and ease of use. One such application is Folder Lock. This is an easy file locker for Windows 11.
If you are choosing this option, we have covered a step-by-step approach to secure your files and folders with Folder Lock.
One of the best things about this program is that it offers backup/sync features and comes in both free and premium plans. You can use the link below to download the software on your device.
Protect sensitive data on Windows 11
Protecting confidential information in files and folders can be a challenge in today’s world. Keeping your computer data protected ensures that no sensitive personal or professional information is deleted or accidentally leaked. Do you have any experience with data deletion or leak in Windows? Let us know in the comments section.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
