Many users have long been waiting for Microsoft to add a native feature to Windows that will allow you to password protect certain folders (for example, those containing sensitive information). So far, this has not happened, which means that we have only one thing left - to use programs created by third-party developers. However, even though there are a lot of such programs, most of them are not of particular quality. We have tested over 20 tools of this type and selected the top 5 of them.

LocK-A-FoLdeR is the ideal solution for the most undemanding users. The program uses only one master password and has a very simple user interface. Moreover, the program does not offer any settings at all.

After selecting the folders that require protection, all you have to do is close the application. Instead of using encryption, this program simply hides the folders from any user who might try to access them. To regain access to protected folders, you will have to open LocK-A-FoLdeR again and use the UnLock button.

This program is available completely free of charge.

This is one of the best programs we have tested. It has many features and they all work very well. With Folder Guard you can protect files and folders with individual passwords, or simply hide and lock them. The interface looks great - it's well structured and very easy to use. Folders to be protected can be selected from the tree view or simply dragged and dropped into the program window.

A really useful feature of the program is the ability to create filters for different types of files so that they will be protected automatically. In addition, you can selectively assign access rights to user accounts on your computer.

This program is paid, but there is a trial version that works for 30 days. The full version costs $59.95. By purchasing it, you will receive updates to any new version during the first year of use. In addition, one license can be used on 2 computers. However, after the first year, if you wish to receive further updates, you will have to pay for a new license.

This program uses encryption to protect folders. Folder Protector does not require installation. Thus, all you have to do is run the executable, select a folder, enter the password twice, and click Protect. All files inside the encrypted folder will be hidden, and you will only find a small executable there that you will need when you want to unlock the folder.

The program is free with some limitations. You can only set it up to use 256-bit encryption if you purchase the Pro version, which costs $22.95.

Folder Lock Lite is another good program that allows you to protect folders, files, and even entire drives. On first launch, you will be prompted to enter a master password. This password will be used for every folder or file you decide to lock. You can then simply drag and drop the items you want to protect onto the program's main interface. All folders selected for protection will be locked and hidden immediately. Nobody can access them without your password.

The trial version allows you to use this program for 30 days. For further use, you will have to pay $39.95.

This program is easy to use and has a nice and clear user interface. It uses a single master password for all the folders you choose to protect.

To add folders, use the "Add" button, but you can simply drag and drop them into the program's interface. Protected Folder offers several options, including ways you can block access to folders for users who don't have a password.

It's also worth mentioning that you won't be able to uninstall this program without first entering the master password. During deletion, all your protected folders will be automatically unlocked. Thus, the risk of data loss is eliminated.

20 launches of the program are given free of charge without any restrictions. The license for one year costs 600 rubles.

What we learned during testing

No need to install more than one program of this type. We ran into a problem where programs blocked each other, and because of this, we could not access folders protected by one program after installing another.

Another problem is that most programs of this type forget to unlock the folders they protect when you delete them. Thus, you can easily lose access to your data. However, the programs described above do not have this drawback, so after removing them, you will not be left with locked or hidden folders.

Have a great day!

Folder Lock is software that allows you to protect and encrypt important confidential data on your PC. In addition, the utility provides the ability to encrypt information on removable drives, optical media and e-mail.

Using this application, you can quickly and conveniently hide sensitive data in directories or set a password on them. Hidden data is not shown through Explorer or file managers. When you try to go to a password-protected drive, an error notification will appear on the screen.

In addition to data on a PC, the application allows you to hide and protect information on removable drives, laser media and electronics.
Data hidden with this utility is not shown when using the "Show hidden files and folders" option, which is something that standard tools cannot boast of. You can download the program absolutely free of charge, which ensures the protection of personal information.

How the program works

To start working with the program, you need to enter a password that will be used to access the application interface or make changes to it. The drag and drop feature makes it easy to transfer directories and files that need to be locked.

The utility’s capabilities include encrypting files and folders, storing important information in the “cloud” on the site, protecting data on USB drives and laser media, as well as saving passwords from bank accounts, and more. In addition, the utility has a function that can turn off the PC after a while if no action is taken.

Peculiarities

The utility allows you to save personal data in the "cloud" on the manufacturer's website. In addition, it is possible to encrypt email messages along with attachments. The utility also allows you to create wallets for storing credit card data.

In addition, the computer is automatically locked if no activity is performed for a certain time. If the password is entered incorrectly, all connected equipment may be turned off.

Advantages and disadvantages

The utility provides protection of information on flash drives and portable drives. In addition, you can set a password for access to files, folders and drives. The program uses drag and drop technology. Thanks to a simple and user-friendly interface, working in the application is quite easy. In addition, you can download the program absolutely free.

Of the negative points, it is worth highlighting the absence of the Russian language in the menu. In addition, the trial version can be run only 20 times.

All in all, Folder Lock is a great utility, very useful and easy to use. It is able to protect confidential data and hide it from prying eyes. It is recommended to download this application for those who are worried about the security of their data. The program is supported by all Windows operating systems.

However, you can only run the application for free 20 times. To be able to use it in the future, you need to buy a license key. You can also resort to the help of a similar development Wise Folder Hider. This is a simple and free utility that has similar features.

You need to download the application from the official resource of the manufacturer or a reliable source, which will allow you to be able to protect confidential information on your computer. In this case, it is required to activate the computer protection tools that will prevent viruses from penetrating into the operating system.

Functional Features

• storage of confidential information in a special cloud service;
• encryption of information and attachments in e-mail;
• creating wallets to encrypt information about payment cards;
• protection of the PC in automatic mode, if it is not used for a certain time;
• function to turn off the mouse, keyboard and monitor if the password is entered incorrectly;
• the ability to protect an unlimited number of objects;
• control the program through the system tray.

Advantages and disadvantages

Program advantages:

• reliable protection of information stored on optical disks and removable media;
• the ability to lock and unlock the necessary folders, files, and disks;
• support for work based on Drag technology
• free access to the application for all users;
• simple and easy to use interface.

• English interface;
• limited number of free version launches.

Analogues

A well-known analogue of Folder Lock is IObit Protected Folder. This is a simple utility with which you can easily create passwords for files containing sensitive information. It provides strong data locking and protection against malware. Among the minuses is also the limited duration of the free version.
Another program similar in functionality is Microsoft Private Folder. It also allows you to create passwords for confidential folders, specify their level of complexity, export and import encrypted information. Cons - English and the inability to recover passwords.

How to use the program

When you first launch the application, you need to come up with and enter a special password. You should write it down, otherwise, if it is lost, you will not be able to restore the locked folders and files.

Adding a new folder

Once added, it will get the "Locked" status and disappear from Explorer.

List of blocked folders

From now on, access to locked information will only be available in Folder Lock. To do this, you will need to select the folder and click on the "Unlock" button. If you need to completely remove it from the application, you should click on "Remove".
In this section, you can make all the necessary settings:

Settings

With Folder Lock, all your information will be under high-quality and reliable protection.

Many people often have to deal with confidential files that should be carefully encrypted and hidden from prying eyes. That is why iObit's Protected Folder program is so popular. The company has long been famous for its acceleration and optimization of personal computers, and Protected Folder is one of its best products.

The essence of the program is blocking files and folders password to prevent theft or leakage of information. Main advantages:

1. Simplicity in use.
2. Reliable hiding information. Files or directories cannot be deleted, modified, read, executed, or viewed.
3. Protection privacy.
4. pleasing to the eye design.

A product that has already proven itself on the market differs from its competitors by more than defense in depth secret data, even if something went wrong with the computer software. The good support service cannot but please: you can literally solve any problem related to this application in a matter of minutes.

Attention!At the end of the article, you can download a free key to the Protected Folder program.

How to install the application

To start the installation process:

Overview of the Protected Folder Interface

It is worth noting that iObit Protected Folder, having such high-quality and effective functionality, does not mislead the user with a huge set of incomprehensible parameters. Everything is extremely simple:

How to use iObit Protected Folder

The app is very easy to use. In fact, you only need to specify the element to be blocked. Everything else Folder Password Protect will do itself. Let's take a look at the whole process in more detail:

Deleting an app

To uninstall the program, use the standard procedure:

1. Go to Control Panel
2. Finding a section uninstall programs or programs and components, depending on system version
3. We find Protected Folder in the list and start deletion.

Attention!!! Before uninstalling, you should unlock all encrypted files and directories, because at the time of uninstalling the program, for security reasons, all encrypted files are deleted.

Protected Folder PRO

You can, of course, use the application for free without any problems, but still, one cannot fail to mention the paid version.

You can buy a license directly on the site by clicking on the orange button " Buy now”, after which you can get a license code for Protected Folder Pro . Its cost is also shown here - 599 Russian rubles. It differs by the presence of premium support and deeper optimization to protect files, even in the event of an attack. ransomware viruses. Also, it's a great way to support developers who care so much about users.

In addition, on our website you can download the Protected Folder license key for 20 users, which will be valid for 3 months: 7D4C5-17195-14B7A-22FB9.

The problem of protecting confidential data while working at a computer is always relevant. It is safe to say that most users have information that they would not want to share with the rest. This can be as important financial or business documentation, as well as information of a personal nature. In any case, if you do not take care of the security of this data in advance, then it is quite possible that they may accidentally or as a result of targeted actions get into the eyes of someone who should not. This happens especially often when several people work at your computer or it is left turned on unattended. Therefore, we want to introduce you to the most affordable methods for solving this problem, both with the built-in Windows tools and with the help of special programs.

Encrypting files and folders using EFS

The easiest way to prevent unauthorized access to your data is to use the EFS (Encrypting File System) encryption tool built into the system. It provides "transparent" work with encrypted files and folders, i.e. you do not need to perform any additional actions with them. To activate EFS, you need to set the appropriate checkbox in the properties of a file or directory. All contents of the encrypted directory will be kept secret, and any file or folder added to it later will also become protected from unauthorized access. Thus, you can securely hide your data from other users of your computer.

BitLocker and Applocker

The BitLocker function, available in the "older" versions of Windows 7/Vista, allows you to protect data by fully encrypting the hard drive, and it can be used on both the system and regular volumes. The BitLocker To Go option will help keep information stored on portable devices, such as external hard drives or USB drives, private. Enabling BitLocker is done through the appropriate tool in the Control Panel.

Applocker is a Windows 7 feature that is designed to restrict certain applications from running. It is managed through group policies and is intended for advanced users and administrators.

Special programs

Free Hide Folder | www.cleanersoft.com/hidefolder

Free program to hide folders from prying eyes. It is less than 1 MB in size and works on all versions of Windows. Using the utility does not cause any difficulties - you just need to specify the folders that you want to hide in the main window and click the Hide Folder button. When you launch Free Hide Folder for the first time, you will be asked to enter a password to prevent changes to settings and exposure of your hidden directories. This way you can hide an unlimited number of folders and the files they contain. In addition, the utility allows you to back up your data.

Folder lock | www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock

Folder Lock is designed to encrypt files and folders. The program contains a whole range of tools that serve to maintain secrecy, and has an unusual interface in the form of a bank safe. To save your data, the utility creates special encrypted vaults called Lockers. You can put as many files and folders as you like there and protect them with a password. Folder Lock can also restrict access to a USB drive or CD, has a hidden mode of operation, and monitors hacking attempts.

Easy File Locker | www.xoslab.com

Easy File Locker runs on Windows 2000/XP/Vista and boasts a miniature size of just 300 KB. It allows you to protect confidential files and folders in such a way that outsiders will not be able to open, read, modify, move and copy them. Such files/folders will be invisible to all users and programs, even when booted in safe mode. You can add data using the standard file selection dialog or simply by dragging and dropping them into the main program window, after which a dialog will appear indicating the password and privacy options.

My Lockbox | fspro.net/my-lockbox

My Lockbox is used to hide and password protect folders on your disk and can be installed on any version of Windows, including 64-bit. Even at the installation stage of the program, you will be asked to specify the location of the protected directories and enter the password, and after the installation is completed, access to them will already be limited. Protected folders are managed in My Lockbox Control Panel, which can be opened using a shortcut in the main menu of the system or by pressing a hot key. Basic functionality is provided for free, but there is also a more advanced Pro version for money.

WinMend Folder Hidden | www.winmend.com/folder-hidden

WinMend Folder Hidden is a free file and folder protection utility. Able to quickly and safely hide data on both local and removable media. In this case, access to encrypted information cannot be obtained from another operating system, and even if the hard drive is connected to another computer. The program settings specify the folders and files that need to be protected, and set a password. The utility has a multilingual interface and allows you to change the view using color schemes.

TrueCrypt | www.truecrypt.org

This program is an open source product and is available for Windows 7/Vista/XP as well as Mac OS X and Linux. It allows you to create a special encrypted space, which is displayed in the system as a separate logical drive. With TrueCrypt, you can also fully encrypt a hard drive partition or USB drive. Distinctive features of the utility are strong encryption algorithms, a double-hiding mechanism (in case you are forced to give out a password under duress), portability, encryption of system partitions, support for hotkeys for mounting encrypted disks, etc.