How to Encrypt a Folder on Windows
This wikiHow teaches you how to encrypt folders on your Windows PC. Because Windows does not come with the ability to encrypt folders, you'll need to install a free app called 7-Zip. Go to https://www.7-zip.org. This is the website for...
Part 1 of 2:
Installing 7-Zip
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Go to https://www.7-zip.org. This is the website for 7-zip, a free Windows application that can be used to encrypt your folders. -
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Click Download. Be sure to click the link for your version of Windows (32-bit or 64-bit). The installer will now download to your computer. -
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Open the installer. This is the file you just downloaded. You may see a link to the file at the bottom of your web browser. Click it, then select Open if prompted.- If you don't see it in your browser, you should find it in the Downloads folder.
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Select a folder for 7-zip. The default option (c:Program Files7-Zip) should work for most people. -
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Click Install. Once the installation is complete, the 'Install' button will change to 'Close.' -
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Click Close. 7-Zip is now installed on your computer.
Part 2 of 2:
Encrypting a Folder
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Open 7-Zip. You will find it in theHow to Encrypt a Folder on Windows Picture 8
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Navigate to the folder you want to encrypt. Just make sure it's visible on the screen—don't open it.- For example, if you want to encrypt a folder that's in your own Documents folder, double-click Users, then double-click your username. You'll see the Documents folder inside the Users folder.
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Click the folder you want to encrypt. It is now highlighted in a different color, which means it's selected. -
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Click Add. It's the first icon at the top of 7-Zip. You'll also see a '+' symbol on the button. A window will appear. -
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Select a folder from the 'Archive' drop-down menu. This is where the encrypted folder will be stored.- Use the ⋯ button to locate the folder.
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Set a password for your encrypted folder. To do this, type a password into the first box in the 'Encryption' area, then type it into the second box for confirmation.- It's extremely important that you remember this password, as you'll need it to access these files.
- The default encryption method is AES-256. You'll see that it's selected from the Encryption drop-down. There's no need to change it.
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Check the box next to 'Delete files after compression.' This ensures that there will be no unencrypted version of the folder, making it safe from prying eyes. -
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Click OK. The folder is now encrypted. When you try to open it, you'll be prompted to enter a password.
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