How to Lock Folder in Windows 10 2023

How To Password protect Windows 10 

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to password-protect in File Explorer.
2. Under the context menu, select Properties.
3. Select "Advanced".
4. After selecting "Encrypt content to protect data" click Apply.
5. You will be prompted for your encryption key. If you cannot access your encrypted files, you will need this.

Before we begin, we must offer a caveat - while this method is simple and effective, it is not intended for large-scale or mission-critical use. If you're storing really sensitive information on your device, it goes without saying that you should invest in purpose-built encryption software.

How to Lock Folder in Windows 10

Using File Explorer, find the file or folder you want to save first. Click "Properties" under the context menu when you right-click it. From here click the "Advanced..." button in the Properties section of the window.

 

how to password protect a folder in windows 10

Select the "Encrypt content to protect data" checkbox at the bottom of this window. To return to the main properties window, click the "OK" button. As soon as you press "Apply", Windows will start encrypting your files.

how to set a password for a folder in windows 10

If you've never used this feature before, you'll be prompted to back up your encryption key after the process is complete. To enter your encryption key, click the toast notification and follow the on-screen instructions. You must take the time to back it up now because you'll need this information if you ever lose access to your encrypted files.

Your files are now secure because of the backup you completed. They are protected by an encryption key that is connected to your Windows user account. The contents will appear to be the meaningless garbled language if anyone else tries to access the file, whether from a different user account or by physically removing your hard disc.

After the procedure is complete, you will be prompted to back up your encryption key if you have never used the option before. Click the toast notification and follow the on-screen instructions to enter your encryption key. You should take the time to back it up now because you'll need it if you ever lose access to your saved files.

You can always undo encryption by going back to the Properties window and reopening the Advanced Attributes pane. To close Windows, uncheck the "Encrypt content to protect data" button and click OK. To view details about the different encryption certificates and post-encryption recovery methods, use the "Details" button next to the checkbox.

That's what it's for. We will remind you again that this approach is not intended for high-security applications. It's great, though, if you're using a shared PC and just want to keep a few files off-limits to other user accounts. Just remember to lock your account (Win+L) whenever you leave the screen.

Consider investing in third-party software created specifically for this purpose if you require stronger defenses. If you want all of your data to be encrypted, you can have peace of mind by enabling Windows' BitLocker function (available only in the Pro and Enterprise editions). With the keys secured to a TPM, a hardware module devoted to certificate storage, this provides full-disk encryption.

BitLocker works at a different level and solves different problems when compared to file-based encryption. The capability encrypts the entire drive, not just specific files. As a result, everything on the disk is decrypted and made accessible to everyone as soon as Windows starts. File-based encryption, which is specific to specific files and folders, can only be decrypted when you're logged in.