The Windows 10 operating system allows you to put passwords on folders on its own . This action is not possible on compressed files. However, in this tutorial we explain how to protect a Zip file on your Windows 10 PC. Therefore, you can add a PIN and passwords to increase the protection of your files through a tool.
Index( )
- Why is it important to protect access to our files?
- How to put password to my Zip file from Windows 10?
- Using the EFS of my PC
- WinRAR
- Using 7-Zip
- How can I hide my Zip file from Windows 10 computer?
Why is it important to protect access to our files?
It is important to protect access to our files to prevent unauthorized users from viewing, modifying or using relevant and/or personal information. For this reason, the best alternative is to put strong passwords or a pin to each folder or file that we store on our PC.
How to put password to my Zip file from Windows 10?
It is possible to put the password to a Zip file from Windows 10. To achieve this, you can use the EFS of your PC, the WinRAR application or the 7-Zip tool. The process to add a password from any of these means is very simple and only covers a few steps that we will show you below.
Using the EFS of my PC
EFS stands for Encrypting File System or ‘Encrypting File System’. This system is responsible for encrypting the data of a compressed file or folder by generating a precise key. Thus, only users who know the password will be able to access the content. This technology has been available from Windows version 2000 onwards.
To put a key or password using EFS on your PC, you must right click on the folder or compressed file. Then, click on ‘Properties’ and the ‘Advanced’ button. Finally, make sure to check the box that corresponds to the option ‘Encrypt content to protect data’ and click ‘OK’.
WinRAR
It is possible to put a password to your Zip file from Windows 10 with WinRAR. WinRAR is an application that makes it easy to create and manage archives . In fact, this tool allows you to protect Zip files with a password.
First, you will need to access the WinRAR website to download the application . Once you get the installer, run it and wait a few seconds. After downloading and installing WinRAR , right click on the Zip file. Choose ‘Add to Archive’ and press the ‘Set Password’ button. Enter the password twice and click ‘OK’.
Also, you can access the WinRAR application and open the Zip file. Then click on the ‘Tools’ tab and select ‘Convert Files’. Then press the ‘Compression’ button and ‘Set password’. Type the password twice and press ‘OK’.
Using 7-Zip
By downloading 7-Zip on your PC you will be able to compress, uncompress and apply other actions on files. 7-Zip is capable of providing a high level of compression. This application has the advantage of offering a high level of security through the use of an advanced encryption standard. The compression format used by this tool is ‘.7z.
It is possible to put a password on an archive using 7-Zip. To achieve this, right click on a file and select ‘7-zip’. In the context menu, choose the ‘Add to archive’ option. Locate the ‘Encryption’ section and type the password twice. Also, you can choose an encryption method. Finally, press the ‘OK’ button.
How can I hide my Zip file from Windows 10 computer?
It is possible to hide a Zip file from your Windows 10 computer. To do this, right-click on the zip file and click ‘Properties’. Next, locate the ‘Attributes’ section and check the box that corresponds to the ‘Hidden’ option. Finally, press the ‘OK’ button.
Similarly, you can choose to hide a Zip file in an image . To do this, create a folder, add all the files you want to hide, and an image in jpg format. Then you will need to compress the files using WinRAR . Open the Windows command console with administrator privileges.
Type the path to access the folder you created in the previous step. Then type copy /b image_name.jpg+zip_filename).rar image_name.jpg and press ‘Enter’. Remember to replace image_name.jpg with the name you have assigned to the image added to the folder, as well as the actual name of the compressed file.