Is it possible to set a folder with a password? How to put a password on a folder (archive or otherwise password protect it in Windows)

A computer that is accessed by multiple people may need to protect the data stored on its hard drive. An office machine with personal work or a home PC with secret information stored on its hard drive is not important.

There are two ways to solve the problem - either set a password for the entire computer at once, or protect separate folder. Then neither curious household members nor equally inquisitive colleagues will be able to view the contents of the “secret” folder without permission. To learn how to set a password for a folder, read further in the text of our article.

Option 1. Protection using Windows

For PC with OS Windows versions XP and older provide an extremely simple method for putting a password on a folder on your computer. It does not require additional downloading of applications or installation of programs.

To implement it, several conditions must be met:

1. The folder (file) must be stored in the file section NTFS system. To display file system you need to go to START – My Computer – Required Disk(in the screenshot this is drive C).

2. The user must create a separate account with a password in advance.

In order to put a folder under a password, you need to hover the cursor over the desired folder (the “Password” folder in the example) and right-click on the icon. In the window that appears, in “Properties”, check the “Cancel” box. general access to the folder." After clicking “Apply” and confirming the password, the folder is closed to outsiders.

This was the first of many methods - the easiest and fastest way to protect a folder with valuable information.

Option 2: Using third-party utilities

Third-party programs for setting passwords on folders are a great way to protect your data. Among the numerous programs it is worth noting such as:

• Anvide Lock Folder– a serial compact program, to use which there is no need to install the application on your computer. The program file can be stored on removable media (flash memory, external drive);
• Password Protect USB– performs the same functions. Designed to maintain the confidentiality of data in folders stored both on the hard drive and on USB drives;
• File lock– the utility is convenient to use. Allows you to protect folders with a password and saves the passwords used for each folder. Using the program you can do complete removal files or folders (it will not be possible to recover deleted data - the utility clears the area on the disk previously occupied by the folder).

The principle of operation of such useful utilities can be considered using the example of one of the most popular programs - Password Protect USB. You can download it both in a trial version and in “full volume” on some software portals.

The first use of the utility requires running it:

• in the window you need to select Lock Folders;
• specify the path to the desired folder;
• set a password.

After making sure that the program works correctly, without errors, you can proceed more succinctly:

• right-click on the icon of the desired folder;
• select “Lock with Password Protect...” in the dialog box;

• Enter the password twice in the appropriate lines to set the password and confirm it;
• You can use a password hint by checking the “Password Hint” checkbox.

The appearance of the folder will now change - about set password will say "brick" on the icon. Unauthorized attempts to open a folder protected in this way will be met with a prompt to enter secret code:

To unlock, just right-click on the folder and select the desired line in the window. After entering the password, the folder will again be open to all PC users.

Option 3. Using archivers

Strictly speaking, now we’re not really talking about setting a password for a folder. This method password protects not the folder itself, but its zipped version. At the same time, this option is distinguished by a certain elegance - after all, archivers are usually used only for their intended purpose. So creating a password-protected version of a folder can be seen as an interesting way to protect data.

First of all, you will need the archiver program itself. Download and install on PC WinRAR program, the user gets the opportunity to securely hide important data behind a password. In addition, the document archive takes up much less usable space on your hard drive or flash drive.

How to use the utility to protect folders? Right-clicking on the folder icon will open a window in which you need to select the “Add to archive” line.

In the archiver window that opens, select “Set password”:

All that remains is to ask required password and remember it - recovering passwords to archives is quite difficult.

Now you need to delete the original folder. The saved archive will be reliably protected - each time you try to extract information, you will be asked to enter a password.

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. Personal correspondence, confidential, can be stored on the computer important information or films with age restrictions. 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

Can be used different ways how to make a folder with a password. Some of them should be used to protect files from the prying eyes of children by adding the necessary elements to hidden section. This will not save you from more experienced users, so you need to use more serious methods, for example, password-protect the archive or download additional applications, adding code combinations to any elements in 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 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 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.

Many users sometimes have a desire to hide some information from strangers. But not everyone knows how to password protect a folder or do anything similar. Let's look at how to put a password on a folder on Windows 10.

You can hide your information without programs from the Internet. Everything you need is in the operating system. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on any folder and select

1. In the window that opens, go to the tab

1. Click on

1. You will see a list of users and groups on your computer. Specify the required account. For example,

1. Immediately after this, a list of rights that he has for this directory will be displayed below. Place the checkboxes at your discretion and complete the action with the " OK".

If you uncheck all the boxes in the "Allow", then in the future if he wants to open this directory, he will receive the following message.

Without administrator rights, this person will not be able to access the contents of this folder.

Using archivers

This alternative method storing rarely used information. Today, almost everyone has such programs on their computer. Let's look at the most popular of them.

You can buy the application on its official website.

To archive the necessary information, right-click on the desired folder.

After that, select the items “ » – "Add to archive...".

In the window that opens, you can specify:

• file name;
• its location;
• format;
• and much more.

The most important thing is to click on the button "Uset a password."

Immediately after clicking, you will be prompted to enter the required password twice. Then click on the button OK".

In the future, when you open this file, the following window will always appear.

Without knowing the security key, even you will not be able to see the data stored there.

7Zip

Then select " 7- Zip» – "Add to archive...".

This archiver operates on the same principle. You will only enter the password in this window:

Locking documents

If you need to hide the contents of a file from prying eyes Microsoft Word or Excel, it is not necessary to set a password for the entire directory. It is enough to block the file itself.

To do this, go to the menu "Office", select items there “Prepare” – “Encrypt document”.

Immediately after this you will be asked to enter your security key.

Then again to confirm.

If someone wants to open this document, they will be shown the following window.

Until the password is entered, the contents of the file will not be displayed.

Using virtual disks

If you decide to make a folder with a password, then you should first try an alternative option using encrypted images. This method is much more convenient and does not require installing additional software.

BitLocker on Windows

Let's consider step by step how to create virtual storages data using operating Windows systems 10.

1. To begin, press the Win + X buttons on your keyboard. In the menu that opens, click on the item "Run."

1. Enter the following command and click on the button OK".

diskmgmt.msc

1. The result of this action will be the opening of the utility

1. Select items from the menu "Action" – "Create a virtual hard disk."

1. Specify the location where the image will be located and its size. If you wish, you can choose a dynamic size. Once all this data has been entered, click on the " OK".

During placement, you need to manually specify the file name.

1. Immediately after this, a new unknown section will appear in your list.

1. Right-click and select "Initialize disk."

1. In the window that opens, click on the button “ OK".

1. Disk 1 now displays the status "Base", not "No data available", as it was in the beginning.

1. Right-click again and this time in the new menu click on the item "Create a simple volume."

1. In the window that opens, click on the button "Next."

1. Specify the size (it is set to the maximum value by default) and click "Next."

1. Specify a letter and click "Next."

1. Let's just continue.

1. Finally click on the button "Ready".

This section is now displayed as normal.

1. Right click on the new volume .

1. Select an item "Turn onBitLocker".

1. Next, check the box next to the first item.

1. Enter your password. Preferably complex.

1. You will be prompted to save the recovery key. You will need it if you forget your password.

1. After you specify a convenient method, the key will be saved.

1. You will then be asked to specify the encryption mode.

1. Next, click on the button

After you are finished working with the data, the virtual disk will need to be disconnected. To do this, right-click the mouse and select "Extract."

To reconnect, just double-click on the disk file.

Immediately after this, it will appear on your computer.

Double-click on it. The system will then ask you to enter your security key.

If entered correctly, the virtual disk will be available for work.

Don't forget to remove it! If you do not do this, then anyone who sits down at the computer after you will be able to see all your data.

In cases where the above seems very complicated, it is recommended that you read further information, which tells you how to password protect a folder using additional software.

Third Party Applications

There are additional utilities that allow you to block access to certain directories. As a rule, most of them are paid. There are also free programs, but they usually just make the folder hidden. Any experienced user will be able to find it and view the contents if desired.

If you decide to install something like this, it is recommended that you look at the following examples.

TrueCrypt program

You can download it on the Internet great app. It can also encrypt your hard drive and do everything described above.

At the very beginning during installation, you will receive a message that this utility is only relevant for Windows earlier versions. And if you have “Ten”, then it is wiser to use Bitlocker, since it does the same thing.

If you have a home edition or for educational institutions installed, then there is no option for disk encryption.

Folder Lock

You can download the program on its official website. This utility can:

• hide any folders, files and even sections;
• encrypt information and set a password to decrypt it.

To get started, click on the “ Lock folders» . After this, a window will open in which you need to specify any directory and click on “ OK".

You will then be asked to enter your password. After that, to block, click on “ Lock Folder» .

Anvide Lock Folder

Then you need to enter the password twice and click on the “ Close access».

Conclusion

Most best way- this is to create a virtual encrypted disk. Because:

• no one except you can open it;
• you don't need to buy additional software;
• the data is actually encrypted, not just hidden;
• all data is stored in one file that you can carry with you on a flash drive;
• the ability to create an image of expandable volume.

If you do not plan to use the hidden information for a long time, then it is better to archive it. This way you can save space on your computer and install a security key.

Don't use too much simple passwords(12345, your birthday, etc.), which are easy to pick up. But at the same time, you shouldn’t be too “wise”, since you can forget a very difficult one. Can you imagine what will happen to you if you lose all the information that is very important to you due to a forgotten password...

Video instructions

If you haven’t figured out how to put a password on a folder in Windows 10, then we recommend watching the video additionally.

Each of us from time to time has a need for hiding personal information on PC. Various files or folders may require confidentiality and should not be accessible to other users. This need has arisen for me more than once, and in this material I will describe various methods - how to put a password on a folder, list auxiliary programs that can easily password protect the required file, and also describe their basic functionality.

Popular archivers WinRAR or 7-Zip are installed on the computer of the vast majority of users. It is their functionality that I propose to use in setting passwords on folders to protect your files. If you do not have these programs installed, download one of them from the official websites WinRAR or 7-Zip.

Instructions for WinRAR

To understand how to put a password on a folder using WinRAR, look at how this process visually looks like:

Instructions for 7-zip

1. Working with an alternative archiver 7-zip just as simple.
2. Highlight necessary files or folder, right-click, and in the menu that appears, select “7-zip - Add to archive.”
3. Set the archive format to 7-zip, check the “Show password” and encrypt file names checkbox.
4. In the “Enter password” column, enter the required combination of letters (numbers).
5. And then confirm the changes by clicking “Ok”.

Hiding a folder using a bat file with a password

Create a folder that will be password protected. Then we create it in this folder text document with content similar to this (go and copy the contents of the file into your file via copy-paste ):

Although this method is not characterized by increased reliability, and an experienced user can always look into the bat file, nevertheless, this option can be considered as one of the alternatives to setting a password on a folder with files.

Setting a password for a directory using Microsoft Office 10

Instrumentation version Microsoft Office 2010 (or newer) allows you to encrypt documents created in this product.

How to put a password on a folder using Windows tools

If you are not a retrograde, you use NTFS, not FAT 32, and users log into your computer using their (and not your) account (without administrator rights), then you can use the method below to set a password for the directory.

Its essence is to indicate in the folder properties those accounts that will have access to it. If you account If a person does not have the necessary rights, he will not have access to the directory or will be asked for a password.

1. To do this in Explorer, right-click on the folder (file) and click “Properties”, go to the “Security” tab, then click “Edit”.
2. Click on “Add” and enter the logins of people to whom you will deny access.
3. To check the correctness of the entered logins, click “Check names” (the correctly entered login will be underlined).
4. If you need to block everyone, then type the word “Everyone” (without quotes), click “Ok”, and put the necessary checkboxes in the “Ban” column, click “Ok”.
5. After these steps, all users (except administrators) will not be able to access this folder.

How to protect a folder with a password using auxiliary programs

Below I will provide a list of auxiliary programs that make it easy to set passwords on folders, and I will also describe their functionality.

LocK-A-FoLdeR. This program Absolutely free and a great option for beginners. It has a minimal interface and a simple password system. The “Lock a Folder” option selects a folder for the password, the “Unlock selected folder” option opens a folder with passwords, and the “Change Master Password” option allows you to change the general password.

Instead of using encryption techniques, LocK-A-FoLdeR simply hides the folder from anyone who might have access to it. To use the folder again, you need to run this program and click on “Unlock selected folder”.

Folder Protector. This program uses encryption to protect your folders. You need to run it, specify the folder to which you want to close access, enter the password twice and click on “Protect”. The folder will be encrypted. It will be possible to decrypt it using the main program, as well as using a small executable file, which will be created after encryption.

The Folder Protector program has a semi-commercial basis (the free functionality is very wide) and can be recommended to many users.

Password Protect USB. This product is very popular, although it is based on a paid version. Its functionality is similar to the programs described above; just click on “Lock Folders”, specify the path to the folder, and enter the password twice.

You can go the other way, because Password program Protect USB is built into the Explorer menu. In Explorer, right-click on the desired folder, select “Lock with Password Protect USB”, enter the password twice and click on “Lock Folders”. Now, when I try to log into this folder A window will pop up asking you to enter a password.

DirLock. The functionality of this program is similar to the previous ones; after installation, the “Lock/Unlock” option will appear in the Explorer menu. If it does not appear, you need to run the program, and in its options select Add “Lock/Unlock” Context Menu.

Now, to encrypt a file, you just need to right-click on it, select “Lock/Unlock”, enter the password twice, and then click on Lock. The procedure for gaining access to an encrypted file is similar - after launching it, you will need to enter the required password.

You can see how it works here:

Anvide Lock Folder. This free program will help you how to put a password on the folder http://anvidelabs.org/programms/asf/.

Launch the software, click on the plus sign in the main menu, use Explorer to find the folder for which you need to set a password and click on the image of the lock at the top. Enter the password twice and click on “Close access” (you can create a password hint). The folder will become hidden, and to access it you will need to launch Anvide Lock Folder, select our folder, and then click on the image open lock. Then you will need to enter a password and click on “Open access”.

IoBit Protected Folder. Paid program for setting passwords, has a simplified interface. After launching the IObit program, click on “Add”, select the required folder, enter the password, and confirm. To unlock, click on “Unblock”, enter the password, and get access to the file. It's simple.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a large number of different ways to put a password on the desired folders and files. The simplest and most accessible one allows you to use the capabilities of the archiver, while the more complex ones involve the use of specialized programs with similar functionality. All these techniques can significantly limit the access of unwanted individuals to your folders, thereby ensuring complete confidentiality of your data.

Today, I want to raise a topical question for many PC users: how to put a password on a folder or file to protect it from unauthorized opening. This simple procedure will help limit access to personal information that you want to keep secret from other people.

On my own operating system does not provide opportunities create passwords to open files and folders. Therefore, you will have to install additional software (programs) for this. You can go in two ways - which can be opened only after entering a password, or use special programs.

How to put a password on a folder using archiving?

Let's look at the first option first. So, we need to archive the selected folder. To do this, right-click on its name. A menu will appear in which you should select “Add to archive”:

The archiving menu will open. Go to the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Set Password” button.

A window will appear. In it, you must enter the combination of numbers and letters chosen for the password twice. After that, click “OK”. It would also be a good idea to check the “Encrypt file names” checkbox. This will ensure the maximum level of information protection.

That's it, the archive with the password has been created. You can check. Try opening a classified folder. As soon as you try to do this, a window will appear requiring you to enter a password:

How to put a password on a folder or file using the program?

Now let's move on to special programs that will help us put a password on a folder or file. There are quite a lot of them. Some of them are paid, but you can find many online. The principle of operation of such programs is almost the same, the menu is also similar. I suggest you consider one of the most convenient ones - Password Protect, you can find and download it in Yandex or Google without any problems.

To make it possible to open a folder or file only after entering a password, first launch the program. A window will appear asking you to purchase this software. But this is not necessary, so click the “Run Trial Version” button:

A window will open in which, first, click the “Lock folders” button.

A list of all files and folders that exist on the computer will appear. We look in this list for the object that we want to “password” and click “OK”:

Now you need to come up with a password and enter it in the window that opens. Enter the invented combination of numbers and letters twice, press the “Lock folders” button. Also in this window you can write a short explanation of the password, which will help you decrypt it in the future if for some reason the code is forgotten or lost. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, check the box next to “Hint” and in the next line enter information that will help remember your password. But this is not at all necessary.

After clicking on the “Lock folders” button, on the . This will be reported in the window that opens:

That's it, the program has done its job. Now you can open the folder only after entering the selected password. Let's check: is everything okay? Try to open the folder - a window appears in which you must enter a password:

I hope the question how to put a password on a folder or your file has disappeared, because it’s not at all difficult.

Finally, I would like to advise you to select more complex combinations of symbols, which will include both numbers and letters. This password is difficult to guess. But the combination should be easy to remember, so that you can easily remember it later. But write down passwords not worth it. Where is the guarantee that no one will find your records with passwords?

Good luck to you. Let all the most personal and valuable information be maximally protected from the prying eyes of others!