Everyone loves secrets, but not everyone knows how to password protect a folder with files in Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7. In some cases, a protected folder on a computer is a rather necessary thing in which you can store passwords for very important accounts on the Internet, work files not intended for others and much more.
The list of free third-party folder protection solutions that can be recommended in any way is limited to those listed. But there are also paid programs for these purposes. Perhaps some of them will seem more acceptable to you for your purposes.
Hide Folders
The Hide Folders program is a functional solution for password protection of folders and files, hiding them, which also includes Hide Folder Ext for setting a password on external drives and flash drives. In addition, Hide Folders is in Russian, which makes it easier to use.
The program supports several options for protecting folders - hiding, password blocking or combinations thereof; it also supports remote control of protection over the network, hiding traces of program operation, calling via hot keys and integration (or lack thereof, which may also be relevant) with Windows Explorer, export lists of protected files.
In my opinion, one of the best and most convenient solutions of this kind, although it is paid. The official website of the program is http://fspro.net/hide-folders/ (free trial version works for 30 days).
IoBit Protected Folder
Iobit Protected Folder is a very simple program for setting a password for folders (similar to the free utilities DirLock or Lock-a-Folder), in Russian, but it is paid.
I think you can get an understanding of how to use the program simply from the screenshot above, and no explanation is needed. When you lock a folder, it disappears from Windows Explorer. The program is compatible with Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7, and you can download it from the official website www.iobit.com
Folder Lock from newsoftwares.net
Folder Lock does not support the Russian language, but if this is not a problem for you, then perhaps this is the program that provides the greatest functionality when protecting folders with a password. In addition to actually setting a password for the folder, you can:
- Create “safes” with encrypted files (this is more secure than a simple folder password).
- Enable automatic blocking when exiting the program, Windows, or turning off the computer.
- Safely delete folders and files.
- Receive reports of incorrectly entered passwords.
- Enable hidden operation of the program with a call using hot keys.
- Create backup copies of encrypted files online.
- Creating encrypted “safes” in the form of exe files with the ability to open on other computers where the Folder Lock program is not installed.
The same developer has additional tools to protect your files and folders - Folder Protect, USB Block, USB Secure, with slightly different functions. For example, Folder Protect, in addition to setting a password for files, can prohibit their deletion and modification
All developer programs are available for download (free trial versions) on the official website http://www.newsoftwares.net/
Setting a password for an archive folder in Windows
All popular archivers - WinRAR, 7-zip, WinZIP support setting a password for the archive and encrypting its contents. That is, you can add a folder to such an archive (especially if you rarely use it) with a password, and delete the folder itself (i.e., so that just a password-protected archive remains). At the same time, this method will be more reliable than simply setting passwords on folders using the programs described above, since your files will actually be encrypted.
Password for a folder without programs in Windows 10, 8 and 7 (Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise only)
If you want to make really strong protection for your files from strangers in Windows and do without programs, while on your computer a version of Windows that supports BitLocker, I would recommend the following method for setting a password on your folders and files:
From what Windows itself has to offer, this is probably the most reliable way to protect files and folders on your computer.
Another way without programs
This method is not too serious and actually protects little, but for general development I present it here. To begin, create any folder that we will protect with a password. Next, create a text document in this folder with the following content:
Cls @ECHO OFF title Folder under password if EXIST "Locker" goto UNLOCK if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER:CONFIRM echo Are you going to lock the folder?(Y/N) set/p "cho=>" if %cho%==Y goto LOCK if %cho%==y goto LOCK if %cho%==n goto END if %cho%==N goto END echo Wrong choice. goto CONFIRM:LOCK ren Private "Locker" attrib +h +s "Locker" echo The folder is locked goto End:UNLOCK echo Enter the password to unlock the folder set/p "pass=>" if NOT %pass%== YOUR_PASSWORD goto FAIL attrib -h -s "Locker" ren "Locker" Private echo Folder successfully unlocked goto End:FAIL echo Incorrect password goto end:MDLOCKER md Private echo Secret folder created goto End:End
Save this file with the .bat extension and run it. After you run this file, a Private folder will be automatically created, where you should save all your super-secret files. Once all the files have been saved, run our .bat file again. When asked if you want to lock the folder, press Y - the folder will simply disappear. If you need to open the folder again, run the .bat file, enter the password, and the folder appears.
The method, to put it mildly, is unreliable - in this case the folder is simply hidden, and when you enter the password, it is shown again. In addition, someone more or less computer savvy can look into the contents of the bat file and find out the password. But, nevertheless, I think that this method will be interesting to some novice users. Once upon a time I also learned from such simple examples.
How to put a password on a folder in MacOS X
Fortunately, on an iMac or Macbook, setting a password for a folder with files is not difficult at all.
Here's how to do it:
- Open “Disk Utility”, located in “Programs” - “Utilities”
- From the menu, select “File” - “New” - “Create image from folder”. You can also just click "New Image"
- Specify the image name, size (you won’t be able to save more data into it) and encryption type. Click "Create".
- The next step will ask you to enter your password and confirm your password.
That's all - now you have a disk image, which can be mounted (and therefore read or save files) only after entering the correct password. At the same time, all your data is stored in encrypted form, which increases security.
That's all for today - we looked at several ways to put a password on a folder in Windows and MacOS, as well as a couple of programs for this. I hope this article will be useful for someone.
Hello, dear readers. I once wrote about how there is nothing complicated about this. But put a password on a folder in Windows 7 It won't work using standard means. The system does not provide such an option. This is perhaps one of the biggest omissions of the Windows 7 OS developers. For example, it’s easy. But this is not a problem that cannot be solved, there are ways out and we will talk about two ways to solve this issue. The first method is a little tricky, but requires certain knowledge, although not particularly complicated. But when using it, you can protect folders from ordinary users. not everyone can figure it out. The second method is using third-party software, that is, programs, of which there are many. Let's start from the first and we will put a password on a folder in Windows 7 without programs.
Putting a password on a folder in Windows 7 without programs
We need to create a bat file, the so-called “bat file”, and for this I recommend using . You can, of course, create it in a standard Windows notepad, but it will be . Everything will work, but instead of normal text there will be crocodile symbols. So, open Notepad++, create a new document Ctrl + N, set the encoding to OEM 866.
And add this code to it: (See the video below)
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 | cls @ ECHO OFF title Folder under password if EXIST "Locker" goto UNLOCK if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER:CONFIRM echo Are you going to lock the folder?(Y/N) set /p "cho=: " if % cho % ==Y goto LOCK if % cho % ==y goto LOCK if % cho % ==n goto END if % cho % ==N goto END echo Wrong choice. goto CONFIRM:LOCK ren Private "Locker" attrib +h +s "Locker" echo The folder is locked goto End:UNLOCK echo Enter the password to unlock the folder: set /p "pass=: " if NOT % pass % == enter the password goto FAIL attrib -h -s "Locker" ren "Locker" Private echo Folder successfully unlocked! goto End:FAIL echo Incorrect password goto end:MDLOCKER md Private echo Secret folder created goto End:End |
cls @ECHO OFF title Folder under password if EXIST "Locker" goto UNLOCK if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER:CONFIRM echo Are you going to lock the folder?(Y/N) set/p "cho=: " if %cho%==Y goto LOCK if %cho%==y goto LOCK if %cho%==n goto END if %cho%==N goto END echo Wrong choice. goto CONFIRM:LOCK ren Private "Locker" attrib +h +s "Locker" echo The folder is locked goto End:UNLOCK echo Enter the password to unlock the folder: set/p "pass=: " if NOT %pass%== enter the password goto FAIL attrib -h -s "Locker" ren "Locker" Private echo Folder successfully unlocked! goto End:FAIL echo Incorrect password goto end:MDLOCKER md Private echo Secret folder created goto End:End
Instead of the words: “enter your password,” set your password. The name of this file does not matter. Save it with bat permission. For example lock.bat is quite suitable. We place it in the directory where the password-protected folder will be stored. For example, on a hard drive. Double-clicking on this “body file” will create a folder in this directory called Private, in which you will need to place . that need to be hidden from prying eyes. Then you need to double-click on the created file. A command line window will open, where you will need to enter the Latin “y” without quotes and press Enter.
After this, the folder will be hidden from prying eyes, and double-clicking on the file will open a window where you will need to enter a password. Agree, not every user will be able to open it and see the password, and most will not even understand what kind of file it is and what it is needed for. I forgot to say that you can put a password on a folder using the 7-zip or WinRar archiver, but then it turns out that we are putting a password on the archive, and not on the folder.
Put a password on a folder in Windows 7 program
For a long time I searched for a suitable program for this case and could not find a normal one. The only thing I liked was Anvide Lock Folder program. A very small program in Russian, which also does not require installation and is completely free, can put a password on a folder in the Windows system. And this applies not only to the seven. In the program window, you need to click on the plus sign and select the desired folder. Then click on the lock and enter the password. For convenience, set a password hint. After which the folder will be hidden on the system.
To see it again, you need to click on unlock and enter the password. As you understand, the program works on the same principle as the first method with a batch file. For me, it’s better to do without programs, but if you need it, you can download it. What do you think? If you know other ways to put a password on a folder in Windows 7, please share. And click on the social media buttons, it’s not difficult for you, right? 😉 If you want to receive bonuses and gifts, then join the lucky team.
When you try to protect personal data, you probably set a password to boot the system or create an account with appropriate access rights. Sometimes you just need to secure some information. Therefore, users begin to look for materials on how to password-protect a folder in Windows 7.
You can, of course, simply hide the folder, but this will not help you in any way from a security perspective. You just have to enable the option to show hidden folders and it will be seen when you go to the directory where it is located. So this method is unsafe.
Unfortunately, Windows 7 does not provide the ability to put a password on a folder, but there are other ways using third-party software. Again, this will not protect your folders from being deleted, for example, so there is no 100% guarantee.
Now let's look at the following password setting methods:
- Archive programs;
- Special utilities;
- Using a hitrov bat script.
How to put a password on a folder using an archiver
The main purpose of archivers is to pack one or more elements into one file with the possibility of compression. We will use these tools to set passwords for folders in Windows 7. These programs include:
- WinRAR
- WinZip
- 7-Zip
- Hamster Free ZIP Archiver
- A lot others.
Let's consider this feature using the example of WinRAR and Hamster Free ZIP Archiver, since others operate on the same principle.
In order to password protect the folder with the WinRAR utility, perform the following steps:
1. Install WinRAR.
2. Right-click on the folder and select “add to archive” in the context menu.
3. The “archive name and parameters” window will open in front of you. On the “general” tab, you need to specify the name of the archive, select its format and the “normal” compression method. In general, you don’t have to change anything here; I don’t recommend changing the compression method, since our goal is just to password-protect the folder and not waste precious time.
5. In the “password entry” window, check the box next to “display password as you enter” so that you can see what you are entering and only once. If you do not want the contents of the archive to be seen, check the “encrypt file names” checkbox. Set a password and click OK.
6. After the completed actions, the window will have the name “archiving with password”, in which you must click the OK button. An archive will be created, upon clicking on which you will be required to enter a password.
If the wrong password is entered, you will see an error message and will not have access to the files.
In order to password protect a folder in Windows 7 with the Hamster Free ZIP Archiver program, follow the following procedure:
1. Install Hamster Free ZIP Archiver.
2. Right-click on the folder and select “add to archive.”
3. You will see the utility interface where our folder will be displayed. Click on “password”, check the box “show password” and enter the desired combination.
4. Click the "archive" button and select "save to computer." Then specify the location to save the password-protected archive.
If you enter an incorrect phrase, the program will warn you about this, so try again.
Special programs for setting a password
Such utilities use encryption of elements, with the help of them we will try to password-protect a folder in Windows 7. Even if these programs are uninstalled, the files remain inaccessible. By setting passwords to enter the applications themselves, you will increase the level of security for your folders. Let's look at an example: Flash Crypt and Anvide Lock Folder.
With Flash Crypt use the steps:
1. Install Flash Crypt.
2. Select the desired folder and right-click, in the menu click on “protectwithflashcrypt”.
3. You will see a window where you need to enter a password of at least 4 characters twice. Leave the rest unchanged and click “protect”.
4. Wait until the folder is encrypted, after which the Flash Crypt icon will appear on it. Left-click and see a password request window pop up. If entered correctly, the folder will be decrypted and will be available in its original form.
Anvide Lock Folder is portable and does not require installation. It is possible to password-protect the entrance to the program. Perform the following manipulations:
1. Run ALF.exe.
3. Click on the plus sign and specify the folder that you want to password protect and press the F5 key. Set a password and select the “close access” button. If necessary, you can also provide a hint.
4. After which the folder will disappear from view and will be accessible only from the program.
5. In the program, click the F9 key, enter the specified password and click “open access”. After which the folder will again become available in Windows 7 Explorer.
How to password protect a folder using a bat script
This method, unlike the previous ones, is the most unsafe, since it uses the usual hiding of folders in Windows 7. A user who knows how to turn on the display of hidden items will see this folder without any problems, so before using the script, make sure that this option is not enabled.
To begin, create a document with a .txt extension and copy the following code snippet into it:
OFFtitle Folder Papkaif EXIST "Secretno" goto DOSTUPif NOT EXIST Papka goto RASBLOKren Papka "Secretno"attrib +h +s "Secretno"echo Folder lockedgoto End:DOSTUPecho Vvedite parol, chtoby razblokirovat papkuset/p "pass=>"if NOT %pass% == moi-parol goto PAROLattrib -h -s "Secretno"ren "Secretno" Papkaecho Papka uspeshno razblokirovanagoto End:PAROLecho Nevernyj parolgoto end:RASBLOKmd Papkaecho Papka uspeshno sozdanagoto End
Then save it and change the file type windows 7. This is done by renaming the extension from txt to bat. At this point the batch file is ready for use. The essence of this script is this:
- The first time you click on it, a folder called “Papka” is created, into which you copy the secret content.
- The second click creates a “Secretno” folder, which is assigned the hidden attribute and disappears.
- The next time you click, you are asked to enter a password. If the input is incorrect, the script closes, so run it again.
- After entering the correct data, the folder will be visible and have the name as in the first step.
If you want to change your password, then instead of MOI-PAROL, type yours in Latin characters.
With this, we have looked at how to password protect a folder in Windows 7. Using archivers and special programs are perhaps the safest options, but no one is immune from deleting a file or forgetting the password. A Bat file is effective when you are targeting inexperienced PC users. Besides, who bothers to open a batch file in notepad and burn through all the data.
nastrojcomp.ru
In cases where more than one person has access to a computer, it may be useful to be able to hide some of the data stored on it from being viewed by third parties, as well as protect it from theft and subsequent use. Encrypting folders or files, as well as setting a password to access confidential information, can help solve this problem.
Methods of protection
Actually, you can protect your files from access by others by setting a password and/or encrypting the contents. Another thing is that the presence of similar objects on the disk that exist, but cannot be accessed, may cause additional interest in what is stored in them and why all this is needed at all.
If, in addition to password-protecting the data, you also make it invisible (hidden) from prying eyes, then you can protect yourself from unnecessary questions about what kind of secrets are stored there.
We will tell you about several methods of protection. We would only like to warn you in advance that all passwords that will be used to restrict access to data should not be primitive. Passwords like “12345”, “qwerty” and others like them (by the way, you can find ratings of the most frequently used combinations on the Internet) have long been no secret to anyone. The password must be a sequence of letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers and special characters with a length of at least 8 characters, and preferably more.
The password must be kept in a secure place and known only to you. A piece of paper with a password glued to the monitor or a text file with it on the disk nullifies all the tricks. And, of course, there is no need to lose your password. With it, you can lose your data forever. Even contacting a computer repair shop in Balashikha or another area, wherever you are, will not help.
To protect your information, you can use the standard capabilities of the OS, create a password-protected archive, or use third-party programs, of which there are many. We will describe only a few:
- AnvideLockFolder
- DirLock
- Flash Crypt
- Folder Lock Lite
- Folder Protector
- Hide Folders
- LocK-A-FoLdeR.
We use Windows 7 tools
The simplest option to limit access to folders and files on a disk is to set individual access rights for each user, but this is not always possible, since joint work with data may be required.
Another option is to use EFS, which is a built-in additional file system that encrypts data and provides access via a specially created key file with the pfs extension. It is convenient to store this file separately on a flash drive, removable disk, etc. Without it, access to the data is impossible.
In order to protect your information from prying eyes, you need to:
Now access to this folder is possible only if you provide a pfx file.
We use archiving programs
Common and frequently used archivers, such as WinRar, 7-zip and the like, allow you to create password-protected archives. Let us describe the process of creating such an archive.
WinRar
Procedure:
After this, the selected folder will be archived and password protected. When finished, remember to delete the original folder.
7-zip
The actions are largely similar to the previous archiver. When opening the program window, you need to select a folder, click the “Add” button, specify the archive parameters and in the “Encryption” section enter the password twice. After clicking the “Ok” button, the folder will be archived. All that remains is to delete the original one.
We use third-party programs
Before starting work, it is advisable to check and remove viruses, clean the system from possible keyboard interceptor programs, spyware, etc. If your actions are recorded, then there is little point in them.
AnvideLockFolder
A small free program that does not require installation on the system, i.e. it can be launched from a disk, flash drive, etc.
- When you first start it, you should set a password for the program itself, to do this, click on the button with the wrench symbol and enter the password.
- By clicking on the “+” button, or dragging a folder into the program window, we add the desired folder.
- By clicking on the button with the picture of a closed lock, we open a window in which you need to enter the access password, and then click “Close access”.
Now the folder will be hidden, and access can only be done through this program.
DirLock
This small program must be installed on the system, after which the “Lock/Unlock” item will appear in the context menu. To block access to a folder, you need to:
Now, any unauthorized attempt to open this folder will display a message warning that you do not have rights to use it. 
To unlock a folder, you must again use the “Lock/Unlock” context menu item, after which a window for entering a password will appear, the folder will be unlocked, and you can work with it. After completing all actions, you must lock the folder again.
FlashCrypt
This program uses the AES algorithm and a 256-bit key for encryption. The program is installed on the system and adds an item to the context menu. Protected folders are not hidden, but access is provided only with a password.
In order to password protect a folder, you need to:
Folder Lock Lite
Paid program, which currently costs $25.95. There is a 30-day trial period. It works a lot like AnvideLockFolder. A master password is used, folders are hidden from visibility by other users, and work with them is possible only from the program itself. 
Folder Protector
The program does not require installation and can be launched from any media. The program is paid, but there is a free option in which the encryption function is not available. 
To protect a folder, you need to launch the program, select the desired object on the disk, enter a password and click the “Protect” button. All files will become invisible.
HideFolders
Paid program with 30-day trial period. Allows you to set 4 types of protection:
- Hiding files.
- Access blocking.
- Hiding files and blocking access.
- The files are read-only.
How to use the program:
Protecting network folders
Placing folders and files on a network resource allows for their sharing by different users. All of them can be divided into groups, and each can have its own access rights. To block access to a network folder, you need to set a password on it. To do this you need:
- Click “Start”, then “My Computer”, select “Tools” from the menu and click on “Folder Options”.
- Select the “View” tab and uncheck the “Use simple file sharing” option, click “OK”.
After this, for each user group you need to set a login password:
- Click “Start” -> “Control Panel” -> “User Accounts”.
- Select a group and specify a password for it.
- On the “Advanced” tab, you can set your own passwords for local user groups and specifically for each user.
After this, access to network resources will be provided using a password, and the level of rights to use them will be determined by the users’ group membership.
As you can see, it’s not difficult to hide from strangers what you want to hide. Which option to choose - to use external programs or tools built into the system - is up to you. The most important thing is not to hide it from yourself by forgetting the password, losing the key file, etc.
itblog21.ru
Put a password on a folder in Windows 7
The question often arises about the password for a folder or file. Unfortunately, this cannot be done using standard Windows tools. But it’s possible to “get out” somehow. Each of us has an archiver, winrar or winzip. Using these programs, you can easily and quickly “password” information.
Let's consider the first option, using the winrar archiver, if you have winzip, 7-zip or you need another method, read the article just below.
Just right-click on the folder or file and select “Add to archive” or “Add to archive”
Go to the “Advanced” tab. On the right there is the inscription “Set password”, click there.
The “Archive with password” window will appear. Enter the invented password in the first line and in the second.
If you don’t need to compress the information, and in order to save time, go to the “General” tab and select Compression method: “No compression”. If you need to compress, then we do not do these actions.
Click "OK"
Now in the created archive, when you try to open any file, the program will ask you to enter a password.
Consider the option using the 7-zip archiver
Select the folder or file for which you want to set a password and right-click. Select the line “7-zip”, click “Add to archive” or “Add to archive”
On the right there is the “Encryption” field. Enter the created password in the “Enter password” and “Repeat password” fields.
The compression level on the left can be set to “No compression” if you want to save time
Click "OK"
Now, in the resulting archive, if someone tries to open any file, they will need to enter a password.
In order to put a password on a folder without creating an archive, you can use various programs, such as “Password Protect USB, Lock Folder, Folder Guard” and others.
I liked Password Protect USB the most
Run the program (password-protect.exe) as administrator. Right-click on the program and select the “Run as administrator” field. For winXP, just run it.
Click on “Lock folders”
We look for the location of our folder on which we need to put a password, select it, click “OK”
A window will appear in which we enter the created password in the “Your password” and “Confirm” fields. If you are afraid that you may forget your password, check the “Hint” checkbox and in the lower field enter information that will help you remember the password for the folder.
Click “Lock folder”
Now, when you try to enter this folder, you will be asked for a password.
The only problem is that it doesn’t just go into the folder, but creates the same one without a password. However, other programs work no better, for example they simply hide the folder. Using Windows, you can only set a password for a folder using multiple accounts.
And also watch the thematic video:
pc-knowledge.ru
How to put a password on a folder in Windows 7
Unfortunately, in order to put a password on a folder in Windows 7, you have to resort to using external software that specializes in information security.
The system itself only makes it possible to open or close access to files and folders to certain users, as well as other users on the network.
But not everything is so bad, a huge amount of paid and free software has long been developed, with the help of which you can ruin not only any folder in Windows 7, but also an archive.
Built-in Windows 7 features
Although it would be wrong to speak so poorly of Windows 7, it still provides security features for accessing files in addition to those mentioned above.
We are talking about data protection at the physical level thanks to the built-in EFS file system.
In this case, access to data is carried out through a specially created key file with the pfx extension.
For example, you named it dok.pfx.
What does he look like.
It can be stored on your flash drive or in another place known only to you. Without this key, no computer user will be able to access the information, and the password here becomes of secondary importance.
To use this feature, right-click on the selected folder.
Go to the "properties" - "general" section and click the "other" button.
Check the box next to “Encrypt content to protect data” and click “OK.”
If another user wants to use the encrypted data, he will need this key and a password for it. It is very IMPORTANT here not to lose the key.
The disadvantage of this method is that:
- The Windows 7 file system must be NTFS;
- For many users, this method may seem very complicated.
Of course, there are other ways to protect your information. Let's talk about them.
WinRaR
Many people know this program, but not many know all its capabilities. By creating an archive with important data, you can easily put a complex password on it and protect yourself from access to other users’ information.
WinRaR is distributed free of charge and can be easily found on the Internet in the public domain.
After installing the program, activate the desired folder by left-clicking on it.
In the future, when you right-click, you will call up an additional menu.
In the menu that appears, find the WinRaR program and hover your mouse over it.
Such actions will call up an additional menu with which you can call up various program actions.
Click the top item “Add to Archive”.
In the window that appears, click "Advanced".
And then go to the “Set Password” section.
Fill out two fields by entering the desired password. If necessary, you can enable visualization of character input and encrypt file names.
If you don't want to change anything else, click OK, then OK again. If you want to change the compression level, go to the “General” section and select the compression method.
Click OK.
After archiving a folder, when you try to open a document located there, WinRaR will ask you to enter a password.
7-zip
Also quite a popular free archiver.
We perform the same actions as in the previous case.
Click “Add to archive” and call up the archiving management section.
Having set the necessary settings, enter the password in two special areas. Click OK. The folder will be archived and password protected.
When you try to open a document, 7-zip will ask for a password.
Hide Folders
The Hide Folders program for Windows 7 is shareware. Developed by FSPro Labs. Free work time is 30 days.
But as you understand, you can also find a fully working version on the Internet.
The main purpose of the program is to completely hide the necessary files and folders from other computer users.
There are 4 protection methods: Hide and block access, hide, read only, block access.
The program weighs just over 3 MB and can be installed in two clicks.
After starting the program, this window appears.
Click “Add” and select the desired protection mode. And then we specify the path to the file or folder.
For example, you clicked “Block”.
If you try to get into a stranger's folder, the following windows will appear.
To prevent another user from removing the protection using the same program, the program launch is blocked using a password.
Now only you can work with Hide Folders.
Anvide Lock Folder
Unlike the previous program, this one is completely free. The installation file weighs only 2.6 MB. Installation takes 5 seconds.
After installation is complete, the program immediately prompts you to start working.
The principle of operation is somewhat similar to the Hide Folders program, only with less functionality.
It only blocks access to files and folders by hiding them with a password.
After launching Anvide Lock Folder, this window appears.
The program provides the following settings. 
By clicking plus, add the file or folder that needs to be added. You can add multiple files and folders at once.
Once you select the folder, press F5 or the padlock as shown below.
Enter the password twice and click “Close access”.
The folder will be hidden and access to it will not be possible.
You can also use a hint for the created password.
In order to deny other users access to the program, you must set a password.
Everything is simple and effective, and most importantly free.
Password Protect USB
This is a shareware program that can work with all drives, despite the fact that the word “USB” is written in the software name.
The program developer is Password Protect Software.
After 30 days you will be asked to buy it for $39.95. During this period, you can protect data of no more than 50 MB.
But don’t be upset if you like the program, there are a lot of free working versions on the Internet.
The program “weighs” only 1 MB, can be installed in 2 clicks, and after installation and launch it will immediately offer to buy it or use the trial version for 30 days.
After starting the program, the following window will appear.
Click “Lock folders” and select a folder. But you can do it differently.
Immediately select the desired folder and right-click. In the window that appears, select the program, and then select the folder again.
Click “Lock folders”.
The folder will be archived to the extension “.___ppp”.
And the folder will look like this.
To remove protection, you need to double-click on the folder, the program will automatically launch, and this window will open.
You need to enter a password in the field and click “Unlock folders”.
Bottom line
If there are many users working on your computer who have different password-protected access, then in order to put a password on folders in Windows 7, it would be advisable not to buy or download separate software, but to use the built-in capabilities of the system.
This is completely blocking access to files and folders to other users, or limiting their access.
Or try using data encryption via EFS.
In other cases, the software described above is quite suitable for quickly protecting your information; this will be the easiest option to put a password on folders in Windows 7.
If there are other suggestions on this topic, we will be glad to read them in the comments. Good luck.
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How to put a password on a folder - TOP 5 ways
Often users find themselves in a situation where they need to hide the contents of a folder or file from prying eyes, so the question arises of how to put a password on a folder.
Unfortunately, the developers of the Windows operating system did not provide for such a function as setting a password for individual user files and directories.
The OS can only be configured to prohibit certain users from using or viewing a specific type of directory, file or program.
Setting a password for a folder is necessary if:
Set a password for the archive
Using this method, you can password-protect a folder with any type of file, while it is possible to hide the very fact that the archive contains files of a certain format.
The window for entering the code will pop up even before the archive opens, so it is impossible to find out about its contents if the user does not know the combination. A password for an archive without programs is the easiest way to protect folders.
To add the desired folder to the archive and password protect it, follow the instructions below:
- Right-click on the folder you are interested in and add it to the archive, as shown in the figure;
The process of adding a folder to the archive
- Immediately after you select the “add to archive” action, a window will appear with various settings for the parameters of the created archive. Go to the tab with additional parameters and find the button to set a password, it is shown in the figure;
Window of additional parameters and settings for the created archive
- Click on the button that allows you to set a password.
After this action, a small input window will immediately appear. The new code must be entered twice (to ensure correct entry). You can also check the box next to the option to encrypt file names.
Thus, third-party users will not be able to find out anything about the type of files being hidden.
The process of setting a password for an archive
After trying to open the archive, we see that you first need to enter the code and only then can you view and edit its contents.
An attempt to gain access to a password-protected archive
This method of installing the code is the simplest and most effective. However, to implement it you will need to have one of the archivers on your computer.
Also, if the code is forgotten or lost, restoring the contents of the archive will become quite a difficult task for the user. This is why you should store a backup copy of the protected files, for example, on cloud storage.
Using the above method, you can also password-protect an archive on a flash drive.
On a computer to which several people have physical access, confidential or proprietary information of a specific user can be stored in a certain directory. In this case, in order to ensure that the data located there is not declassified or mistakenly changed by someone, it makes sense to think about how to limit access to this folder to other persons. The easiest way to do this is to set a password. Let's find out in what ways you can put a password on a directory in Windows 7.
You can password-protect a directory in the specified operating system either using special software for assigning a password, or using archiver applications. Unfortunately, there are no proprietary tools specifically designed for imposing a password on a directory in Windows 7. But, at the same time, there is an option with which you can do without third-party software to solve the problem. Now let's look at all these methods in more detail.
Method 1: Anvide Seal Folder
One of the most convenient programs for setting a password for a directory is Anvide Seal Folder.
- Run the downloaded Anvide Seal Folder installation file. First of all, you need to select the installation language. As a rule, the installer selects it in accordance with the operating system settings, so here just click "OK".
- Then the shell opens "Installation Wizard". Click "Further".
- A shell is launched where you need to confirm your agreement with the current developer license agreement. Place the radio button in position "I accept the terms of the agreement". Click "Further".
- In a new window you need to select the installation directory. We recommend not changing this parameter, that is, installing it in the standard program storage folder. Click "Further".
- In the next window, you can configure the creation of an icon on "Desktop". If you want to observe it in this area, then just click "Further". If you do not need this shortcut, then first uncheck the item “Create an icon on the desktop”, and only then click on the indicated button.
- The application installation procedure is performed, which will take you very little time.
- In the last window, if you immediately want to activate the application, leave a mark next to the item "Launch Anvide Seal Folder". If you want to launch later, uncheck this box. Click "Complete".
- Sometimes running the above method via "Installation Wizard" fails and an error appears. This is because the executable file must be run with administrative rights. This can be done by simply clicking on its shortcut on "Desktop".
- A window for selecting the program interface language opens. Click on the flag of the country from the presented options whose language you want to use when working with the application, and then click on the green checkmark below.
- The program license agreement window opens. It will be in the previously selected language. Check it out and if you agree, click "accept".
- After this, the functional interface of the Anvide Seal Folder application itself will be launched directly. First of all, you need to set a password to log into the application. This must be done to prevent an unauthorized user from entering the program and removing the protection. So, click on the icon “Password to enter the program”. It is located on the far left side of the toolbar and looks like a lock.
- A small window opens, in the only field of which you need to enter the desired password and click "OK". After this, you will always be required to enter this key to launch Anvide Lock Folder.
- Returning to the main application window, to add a directory that should be password protected, click on the icon in the form of a sign «+» entitled "Add folder" on the toolbar.
- The directory selection window opens. Going through it, highlight the directory for which you want to set a password. After that, click on the green checkmark at the bottom of the window.
- The address of the selected folder will be displayed in the main Anvide Lock Folder window. To set a password for it, select this element and click on the icon "Close access". It looks like a closed padlock icon on the toolbar.
- A window opens where in two fields you need to enter twice the password that you are going to apply to the selected directory. After completing this operation, press "Close access".
- Next, a dialog box will open asking you whether to set a password hint. Setting a reminder will allow you to remember the code word if you suddenly forget it. If you want to enter a hint, click "Yes".
- In the new window, enter a hint and click "OK".
- After this, the selected folder will be password protected, as evidenced by the presence of a closed lock icon to the left of its address in the Anvide Lock Folder interface.
- In order to enter the directory, you need to highlight the directory name in the program again and click on the button "To open access" in the form of an open lock on the toolbar. After this, a window will open in which you must enter the previously set password.
Method 2: WinRAR
Another option to password-protect the contents of a folder is to archive it and apply a password to the archive. This can be done using the WinRAR archiver.
- Launch WinRAR. Using the built-in file manager, go to the directory where the folder you are going to password-protect is located. Select this object. Click on the button "Add" on the toolbar.
- The archive creation window opens. Click on the button there "Set password…".
- A password entry shell opens. In two fields of this window you need to alternately enter the same key expression, with which you will open a folder placed in a password-protected archive. If you want to further protect the directory, check the box next to the parameter "Encrypt file names". Click "OK".
- Returning to the archiving settings window, click "OK".
- After archiving is completed, resulting in a file with the RAR extension, you need to delete the source folder. Select the specified directory and click on the button "Delete" on the toolbar.
- A dialog box opens in which you must confirm your intention to delete the folder by clicking the button "Yes". The directory will be moved to "Basket". To ensure complete confidentiality, be sure to clean it.
- Now, in order to open the password-protected archive in which the data folder is located, you need to double-click on it with the left mouse button ( LMB). A password entry form will open, where you should enter a key expression and click the button "OK".
Method 3: Create a BAT file
You can also password-protect a folder in Windows 7 without using any third-party programs. This task can be accomplished by creating a file with the BAT extension in the standard Notepad of the specified operating system.
- First of all, you need to launch Notepad. Click the button "Start". Next, select "All programs".
- Navigate to folder "Standard".
- A list of various programs and utilities opens. Select a name "Notebook".
- Notepad is running. Paste the following code into the window of this application:
cls
@ECHO OFF
title Secret folder
if EXIST "Secret" goto DOSTUP
if NOT EXIST Folder goto RASBLOK
ren Papka "Secret"
attrib +h +s "Secret"
echo Folder locked
goto End
:DOSTUP
echo Vvedite cod, chtoby otcryt catalog
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%== secretnyj-cod goto PAROL
attrib -h -s "Secret"
ren "Secret" Papka
echo Catalog uspeshno otkryt
goto End
:PAROL
echo Nevernyj code
goto end
:RASBLOK
md folder
echo Catalog uspeshno sozdan
goto End
:EndInstead of the expression "secretnyj-code" enter the code expression that you are going to install on the secret folder. It is important not to use spaces when entering it.
- Next, click on the item in Notepad "File" and press "Save as…".
- A save window opens. Go to the directory where you intend to create a password-protected folder. In field "File Type" instead of option "Text files" select "All files". In field "Encoding" select from the drop-down list "ANSI". In field "File name" enter any name. The main condition is that it ends with the next extension - ".bat". Click "Save".
- Now with the help "Conductor" move to the directory where you placed the file with the BAT extension. Click on it LMB.
- In the same directory where the file is located, a directory called "Papka". Click on the BAT object again.
- After this, the name of the previously created folder changes to the name "Secret" and it automatically disappears after a few seconds. Click on the file again.
- A console opens in which you can see the entry: “Vvedite code, chtoby otcryt catalog”. Here you need to enter the code word that you previously wrote down in the BAT file. Then click Enter.
- If you enter the wrong password, the console will close and you will need to click on the BAT file again to launch it again. If the code was entered correctly, the folder will be displayed again.
- Now copy into this directory the content or information that you want to password protect, naturally, subsequently deleting it from the original location. Then hide the folder by clicking on the BAT file again. How to display the directory again in order to access the information stored there has already been described above.
As you can see, there is a fairly wide range of options for password-protecting a folder in Windows 7. To do this, you can use a number of programs specifically designed for these purposes, use archivers that support data encryption, or create a BAT file with the appropriate code.
Often users find themselves in a situation where they need to hide the contents of a folder or file from prying eyes, so the question arises of how to put a password on a folder.
Unfortunately, the developers of the Windows operating system did not provide for such a function as setting a password for individual user files and directories.
The OS can only be configured to prohibit certain users from using or viewing a specific type of directory, file or program.
Setting a password for a folder is necessary if:
- you want to hide your files from unauthorized access by others;
- want to protect your personal data from illegal copying or distribution.
Set a password for the archive
Using this method, you can password-protect a folder with any type of file, while it is possible to hide the very fact that the archive contains files of a certain format.
The window for entering the code will pop up even before the archive opens, so it is impossible to find out about its contents if the user does not know the combination. A password for an archive without programs is the easiest way to protect folders.
Advice! The function of setting a password for an archive does not require preliminary installation of additional software; you only need to have pre-installed free programs WinRAR or 7-ZIP.
To add the desired folder to the archive and password protect it, follow the instructions below:
- Right-click on the folder you are interested in and add it to the archive, as shown in the figure;
- Immediately after you select the “add to archive” action, a window will appear with various settings for the parameters of the created archive. Go to the tab with additional parameters and find the button to set a password, it is shown in the figure;
- Click on the button that allows you to set a password.
After this action, a small input window will immediately appear. The new code must be entered twice (to ensure correct entry). You can also check the box next to the option to encrypt file names.
Thus, third-party users will not be able to find out anything about the type of files being hidden.
The process of setting a password for an archive
After trying to open the archive, we see that you first need to enter the code and only then can you view and edit its contents.
This method of installing the code is the simplest and most effective. However, to implement it you will need to have one of the archivers on your computer.
Also, if the code is forgotten or lost, restoring the contents of the archive will become quite a difficult task for the user. This is why you should store a backup copy of the protected files, for example, on cloud storage.
Using the above method, you can also password-protect an archive on a flash drive.
Using PasswordProtect USB
On the Internet you can find a huge amount of third-party software that can cope with the task of installing code on the system object you need.
A large proportion of such programs, unfortunately, can harm your files rather than protect them from unauthorized access by other users.
This article presents the most popular and common types of software that have been tested by a large number of users, so these programs will not harm your computer and files that need to be password protected or hidden.
This program is available for download and installation on a PC and is compatible with Windows 10.
PasswordProtect USB allows you to password protect folders and remove the previously installed encryption. The application has an intuitive user interface, so working with this utility will not be a difficult task for the user.
You can start the code installation process not only using the main program window, but also using the computer desktop.
After you have installed this software on your operating system, the installation function will be displayed in the menu of each folder, you just need to right-click on it, as shown in the figure:
- The next step is to enter the code in the window that opens. Enter it twice to eliminate the possibility of error.
- After installing the code, a sign will be displayed on the folder icon, indicating that the folder is protected. When you try to open a password-protected folder, the following dialog box will appear. This is the most common way to put a code on photo folders.
Folder Lock Software
This program can protect a folder on a laptop or PC. Supported operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10. The utility encrypts the folder itself, without an archive.
You can put the code on a folder with absolutely any content: files, photos and documents.
To install it on a folder using this program, follow the instructions:
- Download and install Folder Lock;
- Enter a password in the text field, which will be the folder password;
- Click OK;
- Drag the desired folder to the main program window or use the “add” icon;
- After the folder has been added, it immediately becomes locked and can only be opened by a person who knows the password.
Set a password for a network folder
You can also password-protect a network folder. To do this, you can also download separate programs, for example:
You can also use the program Folder Guard(
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