How to protect your data from prying eyes. How to put a password on a folder on a computer? Tips for users Is it possible to password-protect a folder?

Simple instructions for setting passwords for folders in Windows. If you need to protect certain personal data, you can, of course, set a password when loading the operating system or create a new account with adjusted rights. But often only a small portion of your information needs protection. Therefore, many users are looking for answers to questions about how to password-protect a folder on a computer.

Content:

The most obvious way would be to simply hide it, but this is not the best option. As soon as the function to show all hidden files is enabled in the settings, the folder will be immediately visible. So you shouldn’t do this if the safety of your files is really important to you.

Surprisingly, Windows does not have the ability to set passwords for folders. You will have to use third party software. It should be borne in mind that this approach will not protect folders, for example, from deletion or transfer, so be careful.

The most common options for setting a password are archiver programs, specially developed utilities and bat scripts. To learn more about how to password-protect a folder in Windows, let’s look at each of these methods in general terms.

Initially, archivers were created so that it was possible to pack one or more files into an archive, while being able to compress the total amount of information occupied. But, in addition to this, these programs can be used to set a password for the required data folder. The most suitable options would be WinZip, WinRar, Hamster Free ZIP Archiver and 7-Zip.
Let's look at setting a password in Windows using the Winrar program as an example:
1. Install Winrar on your computer.
2. Using the right mouse button, open the context menu of the required package and select “add to archive” from it.
3. Next you will see the “name” and “archive parameters” window. By clicking through the various tabs, you can change the type of compression and many other parameters, but there is no need to waste time on this, because we only need to set a password.
4. Find the “set password” button in the “advanced” tab
5. In the “password entry” window, you can enter it. It is recommended to first click the “show password” checkbox so that you can be sure that everything is correct. If you want the files to change their names after this, you can check the “encrypt file names” checkbox. Next, click OK.
6. After these steps, the window will change its name to “archiving with password”. Click ok and you will receive an archive that will require your password to open.
In turn, if you enter the wrong password, you will not gain access to the files.

Utilities of this kind resort to the use of element encryption. Even if these programs are removed, the files will remain locked. In addition, you have the opportunity to set a password to enter directly into the programs themselves, further securing your data. Using the Anvide Lock Folder or Flash Crypt applications, you can easily figure out how to password protect a folder.

Let's look at setting a password using Flash Crypt as an example:
1. Install Flash Crypt on your computer.
2. On the required folder, call the context menu, and there select the “protectwithflashcrypt” item.
3. In the window that appears, you need to enter your password twice, which must be at least 4 characters. Do not change the remaining fields, then click “protect”.
4. After the encryption process, the Flash Crypt icon will appear on the folder. When you enter the correct password, the folder will be decrypted and you will have access to the data.

Setting a password using a bat script

This method is the most unsafe, as it simply uses simple hiding of folders in Windows. A user who understands how to enable viewing of hidden data will easily gain access to the information. So this option is suitable only for those who are confident that the person who can search for hidden folders is inexperienced.

To start the encryption process, create a file in Notepad and copy the script there:
:lable
cls
set /p disk_flash="Vvesti buky flash drive: "
cd /D %disk_flash%:
if %errorlevel%==1 goto label
cls
cd /D %disk_flash%:
del *.lnk /q /f
attrib -s -h -r autorun.*
del autorun.* /F
attrib -h -r -s -a /D /S
rd RECYCLER /q /s
explorer.exe %disk_flash%:

After this, you need to change the file type; to do this, change the extension from txt to bat, after which it will be ready for use. The essence of the script is as follows:

• During the first click, a folder named “Papka” will be created, where you will need to copy all the necessary data.
• After the second click, the “Secretno” folder will be distributed, which will immediately be hidden.
• The next time you press, you will be prompted to enter your password. If you enter incorrectly, the script closes and you need to enter it again.
• After entering the correct password, the folder will become visible and will have the name as in the first paragraph.

Also keep in mind that instead of MOI-PAROL, you can use any password you want.
Thus, you have become aware of the basic ways to set passwords. Now all that remains is to choose the right one. The safest options are archiving programs or special applications.

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Often several users (family or office employees) have access to one PC at once, so to save personal data and information you should know how to create a password for a folder. This can be done using standard Windows resources or using additional utilities for creating a secret code.

Is it possible to password-protect a folder on a computer?

If you have never encountered the question of how to password-protect a folder on your desktop, then you should understand that this can generally be done in several ways. The computer may store personal correspondence, confidential important information, or age-restricted films. Because of this, there is a need to install protection and limit the ability to open some directories. You can even block access to the operating system as a whole - create a password (put a password) when logging into Windows.

How to put a password on a folder or file

You can use different ways to make a folder with a password. Some of them should be used to hide files from the prying eyes of children by adding the necessary elements to a hidden section. This will not save you from more experienced users, so you need to use more serious methods, for example, password-protecting the archive or downloading additional applications that add code combinations to any elements on the computer. All these methods will be described in the relevant paragraphs below.

Using archiving

The easiest and most reliable way to password-protect a folder on a computer is to use any archiver (7-Zip, WinRar). Each of them has a built-in ability to enter a secret code when creating an archive file. The algorithm of actions is very simple:

1. Right-click on the desired directory (right mouse button).
2. In the menu, find the “Add to archive...” item.
3. On the "General" tab, find the "Set password..." button.
4. In the window, enter the same code twice (be sure to remember it).
5. To open this packaged file, you will need to enter your password.

Using special programs

If you do not want to unpack the archive every time, then you should choose another method of how to securely password-protect a folder on your computer - use specialized software. This method guarantees the maximum level of protection. Here are some of the most popular programs if you need to create a directory password:

• Password Protect. It is a shareware program and works with all known modern operating systems. The utility sets a password and hides the necessary directories from users who do not know the code to open it. The program has a Russian interface, which simplifies the process of working with it. The algorithm for using the application is as follows:

1. Download and install the utility.
2. Click “Lock Folder” and select the desired directory.
3. Enter the password you created twice. In case you suddenly forget the code, you can leave a hint for yourself. Click "Lock".
4. You can open the necessary files like this: open the utility, select the necessary elements, click “Unlock”.

• Folder Lock. This option, how to password-protect a folder on a computer, unlike the previous one, has only an English-language interface. It is also distributed on a shareware basis and requires installation on your hard drive. Instructions for use:

1. Download, install, launch the application.
2. There will be a field for a password in the window, enter it and click “OK”. Repeat it again to confirm and click OK again.
3. The program will display a white field into which you need to drag the elements for password protection.
4. To remove the lock, run the utility again, enter the code, select the necessary elements and click “Unlock”.

How to set a password for a folder without archiving and programs

The easiest way to hide a directory is to make it hidden. This feature is available in all Windows starting from version 7. To do this, right-click on the element (mouse, right-click), click on “Properties”. At the bottom of the “General” tab there will be an “Attributes” block. Check the box next to “Hidden” and click “Apply”. From now on, you can see such a file if you set the display of hidden files in the Explorer properties on the “View” tab.

A folder protected with a complex password on a computer or laptop that can be accessed by several people is a reliable way to save important information. The secret word code will protect digital data from viewing and editing, and will also protect it from deletion. Let's find out how you can put a password on a folder in Windows 10? Are there alternative methods of protection?

Setting a password using standard Windows tools

The Windows 10 operating system does not have built-in functionality that can be used to protect a specific folder. There is a simple way to restrict access to a user account by placing a code word at the entrance (thereby blocking access to any file). There is also a more complicated one - use the built-in BitLocker disk encryption function (it will be impossible to open it without entering the cipher word). The problem with using the BitLocker service is that if the system crashes or the user forgets the password, emergency measures will have to be taken to recover the files.

And the operating systems of the Windows family have one unique functionality that allows you to make an object invisible to users. Using it, there is no need to come up with a complex cipher for opening, which can be forgotten over time.
To hide a folder proceed as follows:
Important! Both protection methods are valid for all versions of the Windows 7, 8, 10, XP, Home, Vista OS family.

An alternative way to protect folders

A large percentage of users, instead of the built-in Windows 10 explorer, use the Total Commander program or file managers with similar functionality: Free, Double, Troll, Midnight Commander or other products. With their help it is very easy to set a password on an object. This can be done after the standard installation of any file manager. The procedure is as follows:

Important! After the procedure, opening files will be available only after entering the secret code. If the user needs to hide an object and encrypt it, this can be done in Commander. You need to go through the procedure of hiding a folder through the “Properties” menu (described above), and then:

The object is now protected and invisible. You can use separate archiver programs WinRar and 7-Zip, but if you have a file manager on your PC or laptop, installing them is impractical.

Setting a password using third-party resources

There are many software products that can improve the security of storing personal data - Flash Crypt, dirLock, Secure Folder, WinMend Folder Hidden, Wise Folder Hider, My Lockbox, Easy File Locker, Anvide Seal Folder and many others. Most of the utilities are free, equipped with a multilingual interface and functional. The Wise Folder Hider software product from the reliable and proven developer WiseCleaner is suitable for all Windows OS families and for those new to folder encryption

You can download Wise Folder Hider for free online. Its installation is standard and fast (free version online with Portable prefix). The only condition is a password to open the utility. You can put any one. Then proceed like this:

After completing the procedure, the object will disappear from the list of folders on the disk (hidden) and will be accessible only through the application. Another small and easy to use utility is Secure Folders. It has a little more functionality and an English-language interface. But it does not complicate the work, since the software offers a minimum number of operations. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the code word is set to open the program itself - that is, you need to enter and come up with one code, which is easier to remember. After adding a folder to the Secure Folders application, it is impossible to open it without opening the program itself.

Use the software like this:

Important! To access an object, you need to temporarily remove it from the application by clicking the red cross on the right side of the line. Once the document work is completed, the object is added back to the application.

If you need a more functional software product that will allow you to encrypt any PC objects, it is better to download the Hide Folder utility. Its interface is Russian, the installation is standard. After installation, proceed as follows:

Access to the facility is limited. The built-in capabilities of the Windows 10 operating system are quite sufficient to protect files and documents. The main security secret is a competent and complex password. If one is installed, then it will be virtually impossible to break it, regardless of what program was used for encryption.

Hello, dear readers of the blog site. For some reason, there are no built-in tools in Windows that would allow you to block access to a folder for those who do not know the password to access it.

At the same time, this simplest method comes to mind for any user of this operating system. keep some of your data confidential- just put a password on the folder where the “hidden” documents (files or other directories) will be stored.

Well, really, what could be more logical than to password-protect access to a certain directory and put there everything that you would like to protect from prying eyes (spouse, children, hackers, competent authorities, etc.). There may be many goals, but the solution seems obvious - make a kind of safe out of any folder, the code for which only you will know (and how to come up with it, read the article).

How to set a password for a folder after archiving it

However, there are still no simple solutions to this problem (using tools built into Windows). More precisely, there are a number of methods that do not guarantee any confidentiality, but only provide “fool protection”. It doesn't make much sense to rely on them. In this same publication I want to focus on a way to make a safe of the highest security category from any catalog, but for this you will have to install an additional program in the OS.

It was originally built on open source and a priori () did not contain bookmarks that would allow developers to access your password-protected data. Unfortunately, the developers have now sold themselves to BitLocker, whose products are already closed source, which means your password folders can, if desired, be opened using backdoors. However, TrueCrypt can still be found and used for your purposes.

But first, I’ll give you an easier-to-use, but less reliable method (the competent authorities and specialists will be able to hack the directory, but your relatives and friends will not). It lies in the fact that the necessary the folder can be archived with a password, so that a person who does not know it would no longer be able to carry out the unzipping process.

You are all probably very familiar with archivers. Among them there are both paid and free versions. But in addition to its main functionality - creating archives to save disk space and speed up data transfer over the Internet, modern archivers allow you to encrypt archived data and protect it with passwords. It is this opportunity that we will take advantage of.

Let's try to archive a folder and put a password on it, first using the example of a free archiver (7-Zip), and then using the example of a paid one (WinRAR), which, however, is installed on almost all computers. I think that you have at least one of them, and if not, you can always install them by going to the official websites of the developers of these programs ().

How to archive and password protect a directory in 7-Zip

So, if you have an archiver installed on Windows 7-Zip, then in order to archive any folder (or a set of files and directories) in it, it will be enough to right-click on it and select “7-Zip” - “Add to archive” from the drop-down context menu:

As a result, you will see the archiving settings window, where, in addition to other settings, you can set a password to access this archive, or rather, encrypt the entire contents of the folder (while archiving it), and this code will be the key to decryption.

A feature of “archiving with a password” of directories via 7-Zip is that you can enter the created archive (folder) without entering a password, and when you try to open any file you will be required to enter it:

If you want to password-protect access not only to the files in this directory, but also prohibit viewing the contents of this folder without entering a password, then simply check the “Encrypt file names” box in the archiving settings window (second screenshot from here). After this, when you try to view the contents of the archive, a prompt to enter a password will pop up.

How to set a password when archiving a folder in WinRAR

You can also use the capabilities of the second of the archivers mentioned above to simultaneously archive and password protect a folder - WinRAR. As I already mentioned, it’s paid, but for some reason in RuNet they don’t really take it into account.

If WinRAR is already installed in Windows, then simply right-click on the directory where you want to set a password and select “Add to archive” from the context menu:

In the window that opens, go to the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Set password” button:

Here you will be asked to create and enter a password, which will become the key to your archived folder, and you can also check the “Encrypt file names” box so that no one can view the contents of the archive without entering the password (we already talked about this a little higher):

After that, click OK twice and try to enter the created archive using the password you created. If everything worked out, then you can delete the original folder, the contents of which need to be hidden from prying eyes. And as needed, you will simply log into this archived and password-protected folder. It's a little stressful to have to enter your password all the time, but security requires sacrifice. IMHO ()

How to put a strong password on a folder using TrueCrypt

As I mentioned just above, there are various programs that allow you to implement an idea that is so obvious to Windows users - to block access to a folder using a password. There are quite a few such programs (for example, Folder Lock, DirLock, Anvide Lock Folder, File lock, Lim LockFolder, etc.), but a user who understands computers will most likely be able to bypass them. Therefore, if you want to hide something from your household or work colleagues on your computer, then they will suit you just fine.

But often something more radical is required, when hacking a password-protected folder will require monstrous efforts and computing power, which will naturally deter most potential hackers. This type of tool includes the TrueCrypt program, which allows you to set a password not only for a directory, but even for the entire computer (to completely encrypt the system partition, if you need it).

I have already written in some detail about working with her:

Unfortunately, today the developers no longer release new versions of the program, because they switched to working in BitLocker (Microsoft), but you can download TrueCrypt one of the latest versions via this link. In any case, it works great for me.

Let me explain a little what “put a password on a folder” means in TrueCrypt, because this is somewhat different from the options discussed above. In this program, you create a container from any file that is on your computer and has just been created.

It will be very difficult to discover that it is a container for something, and besides, inside this container (actually a folder with files and other directories) you can create a hidden container, which certainly no one will guess about. Hackers very actively use this program to hide, for example, their correspondence, because it is difficult to even find corrupted (encrypted) information, not to mention hacking it.

So, this very container is encrypted and decrypted on the fly (you won’t even notice it) and you can work with it as with a regular directory (even more like with a portable hard drive or flash drive, because this password-protected folder is connected in Windows exactly as a new virtual disk).

That. it will be possible to copy something there, delete it, transfer it using standard operating system tools (via Explorer or, for example, Total Commander).

At the end of the work, you simply unmount the virtual disk, and no one will be able to access your data (who does not know the password). Wonderful thing.

For all the details of working with TrueCrypt for setting passwords on a flash drive, folder, or even the entire computer, see the links given just above. And remember that absolute protection does not exist (you can provide the password yourself under pressure), but among all other methods of data protection, this program is one of the most optimal options. IMHO.

Good luck to you! See you soon on the pages of the blog site

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File - what is it and how to configure file in Windows My username and password - what is it, how to create it correctly and store it safely
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Many people want to have something personal that is not available to anyone except the user themselves - their own developments, “special” photographs not intended for public viewing, secrets, etc. This requires passwords.

Most likely, you don’t need to explain to anyone what a password is, everyone knows it. But not everyone knows how to place them.

We will figure out how to set passwords on folders and on certain files in the operating system Windows 7, Windows 10 and Windows XP, and we will also talk about programs for encrypting folders.

Encrypt folders and files

Read also: TOP 3 Easy ways to show hidden folders or hide a required folder and set a password on it in Windows 10

1 First of all, you need to create a virtual disk, and then connect it to a personal computer. What it is? A virtual disk is a standard file that is mounted as an image for CD and DVD. He should appear in "My computer" under the hard drive icon.

2 After completing the previous step, you need to right-click on this icon. Next, we connect and configure encryption.

3 Enter the password and repeat it again, press the button "Further" .

4 Then you need to move the necessary files and folders to this virtual disk. Do not share your virtual disk password with anyone to ensure the security of your files.

This method is the safest.

Method number two

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The next method is more specific, but for development it is worth talking about.

1 First of all, you need to create a folder on which you want to put a password.

2 Then create a notepad file in this folder.

3 Write the text into the notepad file you created.

4 Save this file with the .bat extension and run it.

5 After you run this file, a Private folder will be automatically created, where you should save all your super-secret files.

6 After all files have been saved, run the .bat file again.

7 If you need to open the folder again, run the .bat file, enter the password, and the folder appears.

Until the password is entered, the folder is not visible; when you enter the password, the folder appears. The user can also go to the file - notepad bat and see the password for the folder.

VIDEO: How to password protect a folder in Windows

How to password protect a folder in Windows 7

Best Encryption Software

Read also: TOP 15 Best programs for data recovery from a flash drive | 2019

It is worth noting, as previously mentioned, to encrypt folders and various files, there are specialized programs that are designed specifically for this.

We have selected two of the best applications for these purposes. We will talk about them a little below.

7-ZIP

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7-ZIP is another archiver with which you can easily set a password. The application is completely free.

To encrypt a file or folder, follow the same instructions as with Winrar. The only difference is that here you can choose one of several extensions.

Download

FlashCrypt

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FlashCrypt is another good encryption program that uses an algorithm called "AES".

When using the application, folders and files are not hidden; when opening them, you are required to enter a password. Don't worry if you forgot your password. You can always install it.

Instructions for use:

1 First of all, you need to download the application;

3 The next step is to enter a password, after which you need to press the button "Protect" .

Anvide Lock Folder is a portable utility for encrypting folders and files. The application does not require installation. It can be loaded from other drives.

Instructions for use:

1 First of all, you need to run the program;

3 After this, drag the user folder into the program window or add it using the button with the “+” sign.

4 Click on the closed lock icon, enter your password and click "Close access" .

AxCrypt provides secure AES-128 encryption of individual files using passwords. Usage is amazingly simple.

To encrypt a file or files in a folder, simply right-click on the file or folder and select "encrypt".

Double clicking on an encrypted file allows you to edit or view it with the program of your choice. Closing an open file will automatically re-encrypt the file.

Download

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AES Crypt is a simple program that adds a context menu item to the general file system context menu. The program does not have a windowed mode, which most . Those. work is carried out only through the context menu.

You simply right-click on the file you need to encrypt or decrypt, select AES Crypt, enter your password in the small dialog box.

And a new encrypted or decrypted file will appear next to it. In the case shown in the picture (we are encrypting), the name of the new encrypted file will be Bootstrap.kdbx.aes.

Download

Setting a password in Windows 7/10

Read also:

1 First you need to find out the OS bit depth. To do this in the menu "Start" need to find a point .

2 V "Control Panels" you need to enter the menu "System and safety" .

4 V "System" The system capacity will be indicated. She must be remembered.

7 When you click the button, the installation file will begin downloading. After downloading, you need to install it by simply clicking on the downloaded file with the left mouse button (in Google Chrome this is the case).

8 After installation, the program must be opened.

Selected folder

11 Next, the folder must be added to the archive. As a matter of fact, it is not necessary to look for the folder in the program itself. For convenience, it’s easier to download and install the program, after which, going to the folder, right-click and select "Add to archive" .

12 Afterwards you need to configure the future archive. First you need to select a name and format, and then go to the tab "Additionally" .

13 In the menu "Additionally" you need to set a password. The longer it is, the more reliable it is, but at the same time it is easier to forget.

The password must be easy to remember, but at the same time so that no one knows it. Then you need to click "OK" .

The archive has been created and password protected. For greater reliability, you should add secrecy to the archive.

To do this, right-click on the archive and select "Properties" .

The file will become invisible until Windows shows hidden files and folders.

When you try to open the archive, it will open itself, but its contents will be password protected.

For example, the Boruto episode in the archive in the picture requires a password. Password-protected files are marked with a “*” in WinRar.

15 If the password is entered correctly, a password-protected file will start and you can open it. In this case, see the video.

If the password is entered incorrectly, an error window will appear. You need to close it and try again to enter the correct password.

Ready. But we must remember that any passwords can be hacked using various hacking programs.