How to Password Protect a Folder in Windows 10
More often than not, you will have files and folders that require security. The content of the file is either sensitive or personal. If you share your computer with others, there is always a chance that someone will accidentally open a file. Or worse, someone might unwittingly delete your necessary files. The only way to protect your essential file is to store them in a secured folder. Ideally, it should be password protected.
Here are a few things that you can try to password-protect a folder in Windows 10:
Password Protect a Folder without using a Third-Party Software
It is essential to take note of your Windows 10 version first. For Windows 10 Pro, the steps are pretty straightforward. The operating system has a built-in encryption tool called Encrypted File Service (EFS). Those with Windows 10 Home will need a couple of steps to accomplish the same security.
It is important to note that access to the encrypted folder only uses the login credentials of the account you encrypted the file. Other user accounts will not have access to it. Take note of the password or write it down somewhere. Or else your data will remain inaccessible forever.
Windows 10 Pro
First, create a folder where your files will go. Right-click on the folder and choose Properties.
Go to the General tab. Click the Advanced button.
Under the Compress and encrypt attributes section, check to Encrypt content to secure data.
Click OK, then close the Properties window. Apply the changes to the folder, subfolder, and files when you see a prompt.
Backup Your Encryption Key
Create a backup of your encryption key for added security. Windows will ask you, to back up your encryption key right after you encrypt the folder.
Click Back up your encryption key pop up when you see the prompt. Choose Back up now.
Just follow the steps from the wizard. Enter your password when asked.
Choose a place where you’ll save your certificate. Give it a name and save it somewhere safe. Better yet, save it to a thumb drive or another device.
Click Next then Finish.
Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Home users will need to create a particular command to encrypt a file. Follow the steps below:
Open Notepad. Paste the following text:
@ECHO OFF
if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" goto UNLOCK
if NOT EXIST Private goto MDPrivate
:CONFIRM
echo Are you sure to lock this 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 Invalid choice.
goto CONFIRM
:LOCK
ren Private "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
echo Folder locked
goto End
:UNLOCK
echo Enter password to Unlock Your Secure Folder
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%== YOUR PASSWORD goto FAIL
attrib -h -s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
ren "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" Private
echo Folder Unlocked successfully
goto End
:FAIL
echo Invalid password
goto end
:MDPrivate
md Private
echo Private created successfully
goto End
:End
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Find “Your-Password-Here”. Replace it with your actual password.
On the notepad, go to File > Save As > select All Files. Add the name of your document and add the file extension .bat. Save this in a folder you want to hide.
Go to the folder where you saved your .bat file. Open it. The command prompt will flash quickly which is normal. It will create a folder where you will store your important documents.
Lock the folder by running the .bat file again. You will get a message “Are you sure you want to lock this folder? (Y/N)”. Type Y and press Enter. The folder will disappear.
Once you need your files again, run the .bat file. Enter the password at the command prompt. Hit Enter and the folder will appear again.
