How To Lock A Folder In Windows 10?

So you have some folders on your computer that you want to be hidden from prying eyes or inaccessible to your fellow PC users. Don't worry! Here you will learn three ways to lock your folders and data in Windows 10.

You can hide your folders, lock them up with a password, or compress and encrypt your folders for high security. The three different ways are discussed in detail below.

• Windows built-in encryption

Windows 7, 8, and 10 usually had its built-in encryption option that can be used to encrypt your folder and everything within that folder. To use this option to encrypt your folders, follow these steps.

1. Search for the folder you want to encrypt, and right-click on it
2. Click on the Properties option and navigate to the Advance option.
3. Click on the Advance option to open a New Tab.
4. Search for Encrypt contents to secure data and Tick-mark the box right next to it.
5. Click Ok and then click Apply.
6. After you click Apply, you will be asked whether you want to encrypt the folder only or encrypt all the files included in this folder. Now, it depends on you that you want to lock only your folder or all the files included within this folder.
7. After that, click OK. You will see the folder you encrypted with a small yellow lock. It means that you have successfully locked your folders.

This option can be used for files or folders you want to hide from those who share your computer, but if you have folders that contain highly sensitive or confidential documents, then you are advised to use the third-party Folder lock software.

• Third-party Folder lock software

This software helps to protect your files from everyone. No matter who is logged into your account, they will not get access to your locked folders. It means that if you are using software to lock your folders, your folders are much safer than the folders you have encrypted through the built-in encryption option.

For Windows 10 users, Folder Lock software is a great option for securing their files. It's easy to use and a trusted folder protection website. This software has the option of password protection and encryption of your folders. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit keys is used by this software to keep your data out of the reach of others.

How to use it

1. Install the Folder Lock application, and open it.
2. Select Lock folders. At the right side of Lock folders, select Add items to lock.
3. Click on Add folders.
   
4. Add the folders you want to lock. That's the way to successfully password protect your folders. If you're going to remove your folders from protection, you have to click on Protection off option.

This software comes with a cloud-based backup solution and a file shredder. You can buy its full version for $39.95. However, the demo is free.

• Compressing and encrypting folders in a more secured way

Another option to secure and lock your folders on Windows 10 is to use Disk protection software like 7 Zip, which is free to use and gives much better protection. This software can be used on any windows system. It compresses and encrypts your folders, and if you want to access your folders by yourself, all you need to do is decompress your folder.

How it works 

1. Download and install the 7Zip latest version.
2. Open the window tab and click on the 7Zip file manager.
3. The 7Zip control panel will be opened, where you will add those folders you want to lock, and then click on Add tab.
4. Select the compression quality and name the file that needs to be encrypted. Set a password and then click OK.

You have successfully compressed your folder.

Suppose you want to decompress your file to read it. Open the 7Zip, choose your folder, click on the extract option, enter your password, and enter ok. That's it.

Recommendations

Although windows built-in encryption can help you hide your folders, it is suggested not to use this feature when you have some confidential or sensitive documents on your PC or Laptop. 

Try to use third-party data protection applications like Folder Lock, this type of application gives you better security and privacy.