It has happened to all of us at some point that a family member, friend or acquaintance has access to our computer and starts checking things that they shouldn’t. Although it is true that it is quite annoying, it is something that can be solved with a program or security software for Windows. If you don’t know how to set write protection and password your folders, here we show you step by step.
Index( )
- What programs to use to password protect folders on my PC?
- Folder Protect: the safest
- VeraCrypt: the extreme encryption
- Avast the antivirus: protect folders and the easiest option
- Folder Lock: the perfect alternative to protect data
- How to protect a folder with code without installing third-party programs?
What programs to use to password protect folders on my PC?
Thanks to Windows and its ease of customization and freedom , we can find security programs of all kinds. From specialized software to encrypt files and directories, to those that allow us to establish passwords to an entire folder or to the hard drive.
In case you want to protect certain folders and then share shortcuts with acquaintances or family members, you can opt for the following options.
Folder Protect: the safest
You no longer need to be aware of who is going through your computer folders to see what you have. This simple program can provide you with the security you need . As for its characteristics, we can mention the following:
- It provides you with three security methods for your files or folders.
- The level of blocking and encryption is quite high, no matter it is a large or small file or folder.
- The os software program works under a 256-bit encryption system, one of the highest developed to date.
- It is a freeware which you can have in a portable way. In other words, you can take it on mobile devices or a flash drive and run it without installing it.
- As an added bonus of security software, you can hide files if you want maximum privacy. All this as long as you don’t forget the directory of the files.
VeraCrypt: the extreme encryption
If you are one of those paranoid users who do not believe in the power and security that a program like the previous one provides you, this is the one you are looking for. The main feature that you will get when you download VeraCrypt is that you will have encryption of the highest level . While it is true that the previous one is very good, this one is a few steps above folder Protect.
As for the most notable aspects of this program to protect folders, there are the following:
- Possibility to create a file which is encrypted and works as a container. You can use this to store all the information you want.
- Ability to move protected containers to locations the user wants.
- The container can be emailed, burned to a CD or DVD disc, as well as copied to a USB.
- Ability to encrypt the information contained in SD memory cards, USB or portable hard drives.
- The user can access features similar to bitlocker. In such a way that you can encrypt entire hard drive partitions or an SDD in its entirety.
- Real-time encryption and decryption.
- You have the option to generate a hidden volume to strengthen privacy and security against a third-party attack.
Avast the antivirus: protect folders and the easiest option
Antiviruses, although they are no longer as popular as they used to be, are still a good way to protect information . When it comes to programs to put a password in a specific folder, Avast can become an excellent alternative.
Of course, in case you want all the security and protection of the computer and folders as such, we recommend paying for the license and the plan that is offered to users. This with the intention of having legal Windows software and not having to opt for modified programs to achieve the same functions.
It is considered as a freeware, although the functions that are really interesting to us are paid. So it is up to you to consider if it is a viable option for you. What is certain is how easy it is to use the program, apart from the fact that it is too intuitive at the interface level.
Folder Lock: the perfect alternative to protect data
The functions of this software are quite simple. It is responsible for protecting all types of files and folders through passwords and encryption . One aspect to keep in mind is that this process is carried out in real time.
In addition, it has versions available for operating systems prior to Windows 10, with the option to download its 32-bit and 64-bit version . The only detail that we find in this program is that it is only in English. From the rest, you will be able to provide greater security to your data, have a more secure storage and have greater control over access controls and permissions.
How to protect a folder with code without installing third-party programs?
It is necessary to highlight a very important fact and that is that from versions of Windows 10 onwards, it is not possible to protect files or folders without programs. In previous versions it was possible, now it is necessary to use third-party applications to achieve this.
In case you have done a format and when you install the new version of Windows on your PC or laptop you have WinRar natively , you can use this software to create passwords and protect documents.
The detail of this program is that you will have to generate a file with .RAR format and place all the folders and files to be protected there. The good news is that no matter how hard they try, they won’t be able to access your content unless they have the password.
All you have to do to provide a password to a folder is:
- run the program
- Locate the file to protect
- Then click on Add to file
- A new sale will appear.
- You make the configuration that is most convenient for you
- Click on “ Set password” and that’s it.
