Summary
You are undoubtedly already familiar with the process of password-protecting your computer, which prevents other people from accessing it. However, if you are also familiar with the process of password-protecting folders, you will be able to securely allow other people to use your computer without having to worry about your secret files being accessible. Everything is OK, whether it’s private information about your bank account, a collection of humiliating poetry you penned after your most recent breakup, or pictures for a YouTube channel that you want to create in the future that are a little bit risque. Using the following methods, you will be able to secure your data and keep them hidden from inquisitive eyes.
How to secure a folder with a password
Have a look at these recommendations from our list of the best password managers in the event that you ever find yourself unable to remember passwords.
Encryption of folders in Windows 10 and Windows 11 Pro
If you are using Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, you will have access to a security system that is built in; however, it is not the most comprehensive protection system available. The normal encryption feature of Windows provides file obfuscation, which encrypts a file and locks it to your account. Therefore, in the event that someone on a different account or someone who moved your files to another computer attempted to access your material, they would be required to know the password to your account, which should not be one of the most often used passwords.
That being said, access would still be granted to everyone who uses your computer and account.
First, choose the file you want to edit by right-clicking on it and then selecting Properties from the menu that appears.
Next, choose the Advanced option.
Step 3: The third step is to choose OK after checking the box next to Encrypt contents to encrypt data.
Step 4: Select the Apply option, and whenever you are asked, select whether you want all of the folders included inside that directory to be encrypted or only the top-level folder. Select OK after you have made your decision.
It might take a long time to finish, depending on the size of the folder and the items that are included inside it. The fact that you will have obtained the maximum degree of protection with encrypted data that is impregnable to outside threats and is only visible to you is a clear indication that the wait will be well worth it. You can see that it is working since there are now little padlock symbols on each file that is included inside it. Your folder and all of the data included inside it are now secured with a password based on your account.
Folders in Windows that are protected by a password using 7-Zip
The versions of Windows OS that come before Windows 10 Pro do not provide any security for your files, and even the safety settings that are included in Windows 10 Pro may need some improvement. In order to add a password to a folder, the majority of Windows users will need to make use of an archiving program provided by a third party or some kind of compression software.
One of the available choices is 7-Zip, which is a free and open-source zip compression program that was developed by Igor Pavlov, a Russian software developer. Additionally, it does an excellent job of securing your most important data using a password. The only inconvenience associated with using this application is that, in order for the safety precautions to take effect, you will need to decompress the folder.
The first thing you need to do is go to the 7-Zip download page and choose the appropriate link for your needs. For the majority of users, the 64-bit x64 Windows build is the best option. After downloading it, install it in the same manner as you would any other program, and then run it.
Step 2: Within the main 7-Zip interface, choose the folder that you want to password-protect, and then pick the green addition sign that is located in the upper-left corner of the program. As an alternative, you may move the folder around inside the main 7-Zip interface by dragging and dropping it.
To guarantee that the folder is compatible with computers that do not have 7-Zip installed, go to step three and pick Zip from the drop-down menu that is right next to the Archive format choice. Ignoring the majority of the settings that appear in the pop-up window that is generated, this step is essential. After that, you will need to enter and re-type the password that you want to use for the folder in the text fields that are situated on the right-hand side of the window. After the process is complete, you should click the OK option and then give the software permission to generate a compressed and encrypted copy of the folder that you want to be protected by a password.
Step 4: After the password-protected zip file has been produced, you should validate its functionality by attempting to access any of the contents included inside it. This will confirm that the file is functioning properly. After you have determined that it is protected, you should destroy the original folder so that they can no longer be found. Having two versions of the same material is not necessary, particularly considering that the original folder will continue to be unprotected until further notice.
Within macOS, the addition of password protection to folders
Apple’s macOS, much like the majority of Windows versions, does not have the capability to apply password security to folders as a native feature. Whatever you give up in terms of convenience, you will unquestionably gain in terms of safety. Don’t forget to use an antivirus program. In order to add a basic password, you will need to generate an encrypted disk image using the native Disk Utility application that is included with the operating system. This application is pre-installed on almost all Mac machines.
You will be able to access the folder as a mounted virtual drive after it has been created. This will enable you to make changes to the material, add new content, and remove content once you have entered a password that has been specified. When you drag the drive to the trash, whatever modifications you make while the disk is mounted will immediately become encrypted and password-protected. This will happen automatically.
To begin, go to the Applications folder and choose the Disk Utility option. As an additional option, you may search for it using Spotlight. Start the program running.
The second step is to press the File button once the application has been launched. Choose New image from the menu that appears, and then pick Image from folder from the list of options. You should now be able to locate the file that requires a password to be protected. First, choose it, and then select Open.
After you have labeled and named the folder that requires security, go to the third step, which is to choose Read/Write from the drop-down box in the Image Format section. Under the encryption heading, you will find an additional drop-down selection. You should go with 128-bit AES encryption.
The fourth step is to enter and validate your password in the areas that are available. After selecting Choose, choose Save. You will get a notification from Disk Utility after it has completed the process of generating the image with password protection.
In the fifth step, you will need to establish whether or not you have sufficiently safeguarded your image. To begin, do your best to open the picture. It is expected that you will get a directive to enter a password. Enter the password, and then click the OK button if you do.
Step 6: After that, you should place the original folder in your trash, and then you should empty your trash folder so that no one can access it without your permission.
Additions to the protection of folders
Try one of the following methods, in addition to securing the folder on your computer with a password: * Hiding the folder: Only you are able to see hidden folders (at least while the option to view them is turned off). In Windows, you may conceal a folder by right-clicking on it and selecting “Properties.” After that, under the General tab, you should check the box that says “Hidden.
“Hold down the Shift key, then hit the “.” (period) key, and then press the Command key on a Mac. Remember that although the files will be hidden from view and out of memory for the majority of individuals who use your computer, those who are genuinely wicked will still be able to locate them.
* Cloud storage: Another excellent method for securing your files with a password is to make use of cloud storage services, such as Google Drive. The files will only be accessible to those individuals who are able to successfully log in to your cloud storage service.
