Instructions for setting password to protect files and folders in Windows

Because most Windows versions do not have a password setting method to protect files and folders on the computer, so in this article, TipsMake.com will guide the steps to encrypt files and folders. . To set the password for folders and files in Windows, you need to use a third-party program.

Tip: Before installing a password for any document, you should make a backup of the protected files or folders when you have not set a password in case you forget your password, you can use the copy again. save that.

1. How to recover Windows passwords using iSeePassword
2. Collection of the most effective Windows password recovery tools

Data encryption on Windows XP Pro, Vista, 7, 8 and Windows 10

Unfortunately, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 operating systems do not provide password protection to protect files and folders. You need to use a third-party software program to do this.

If you want to encrypt a file or folder, follow the steps below:

1. Select the file or folder you want to encrypt.
2. Right-click the folder or file and select Properties .
3. On the General tab , click the Advanced button.
4. Check the box next to "Encrypt contents to secure data".
5. Click on Apply and click OK .

Note:

1. This encryption method is only for computers with multiple user accounts. When you encrypt data on an account, other accounts will not be able to view the data. However, if another user has your account password, they can still view the encrypted data normally.
2. If the "Encrypt contents to secure data" option cannot be selected, grayed out or you do not see this option, then you may be using the Home version of Windows so this feature is not supported. It is also possible that the hard drive containing the files is not formatted as NTFS, as this is a requirement for encryption.

Display "Encrypt" on the context menu

The latest version of TweakUI also allows displaying the Encrypt option in the context menu. To do this, you can follow these steps:

1. Open TweakUI
2. In the TweakUI window, select Explorer .
3. On the right side of the window below the Settings section, find Show 'Encrypt' on context menu and check the box next to it. This option is located under Prefix 'shortcut to' on new shortcuts and on the Show 'View workgroup computers' in NetPlaces .

Data protection on Windows XP Home

1. Select the file or folder you want to encrypt
2. Right-click the file and folder then click Properties .
3. Click on Sharing tab .
4. Check the Make this folder private box .
5. Click Apply and select OK .

Setting this directory to private is gray

In order for this option to work on Microsoft Windows XP Home version, you must meet the requirements below.

1. The hard drive must be formatted as an NTFS file system rather than FAT32.
2. The folder you are encrypting must be a personal folder. For example, if your name is Bob, you must encrypt the C: Documents and SettingsBob folder or another folder in it.

If you want to encrypt external folders, see the other security methods section below.

Set password to protect files and folders in Windows

Files and folders are not used frequently - A simple way to set password protection files is to create a large folder that stores these files using a compression tool. When the compressed folder is created, you can encrypt the information by confirming the password.

For Windows ME and Windows XP - Windows ME and Windows XP operating systems have their own compression utility. This utility can be used to compress or password protect files.

For Windows Vista and Windows 7 - Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems also have compression features. However, passwords that protect compressed files will not be created without a third-party software program.

Tip: When a file is compressed, users can still see the file list in this compressed file. If you want to hide both the name and content of the file, move all the files into a folder and set the password to protect the folder.

For frequently used or accessed directories

If you need password protection or encryption of frequently used data, you need to install a third-party program to protect files and folders. Here are some free and charged software.

1. 7-Zip - A free software, including the ability to password-protect compressed files and folders.
2. AxCrypt - is a compact and easy-to-use free encryption utility. AxCrypt allows users to encrypt all files in a folder, however, this software does not allow viewing files without a password.
3. Folder Guard - A password protection software for the free version that allows users to password-protect files, folders and other Windows resources.
4. Protected Folder - A great program that allows you to encrypt data, secure it with your own password. However, to use this software, you will lose a small fee.

Things to remember when coding or password protection for files or folders.

1. There is no way to protect your file 100%. There are many tools, utilities, and instructions for breaking encryption and passwords on files. However, the protection methods mentioned above will protect your files from most users who accidentally see them. If you are looking to secure private and sensitive data, TipsMake.com recommends using a 3rd party program to protect files and data.
2. Even if a password-protected file can still be deleted (unless the program supports data protection to not be deleted). Always remember to back up files, even if they are password protected.
3. In case you forget the password, all data in the file and folder will be deleted if you cannot enter the correct password or ask someone to break the password. Therefore, the most important thing is to create backups of files and folders without setting a password, maybe you will need it sometime.