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Have some files and folders which you don’t want other people to see? Then, don’t worry, you are not alone. There are thousands of people who want to hide their private files and folders, but they don’t how to Password Protect a Folder in Windows 10, 8, 7, XP. So, in order to help those people, I’ve created this post which will show you the exact on how to password protect a folder.
How to Password Protect a Folder in Windows
So, what are you waiting for? Just have a look below and start learning how to Lock a Folder in Windows 10, 8, 7, XP from other people.
Also Read:- How to Encrypt a USB Flash Drive Easily
1. How to Password Protect a File in Windows Vista, 7,8 and 10
Unfortunately, there is no inbuilt feature which can help you to hide your personal files and folders from others. So, What can you do now? There’s only one option left which is installing a third party software to hide your folders from other people. If you want to password protect your folder, then here’s how you can do it:
- Firstly, select the file or folder you want to hide.
- After that, right-click on the folder and choose “Properties from the available options.
- In the next tab, you have to tap on “Advanced Settings”.
- And check the box stating “Encrypt content to secure data” option.
- Now, click on Apply and you are done.
Also Read:- How to Fix Touchpad Not Working Windows 10 Error
2. How to Encrypt Files in Windows XP Professional
Do you have Windows XP Professional installed on your computer and you still want to password protect a folder, then here’s how you can do that:
- Select the file or folder you want to hide.
- Right-click on the folder and then select “Properties” option.
- Once you click on the option, a popup will be opened on your screen.
- Once it opens, all you have to do is just select “Advanced Settings” and then check the box which states “Encrypt Content to Secure Data” option.
- Now, click on Apply and that’s it. You’ve successfully encrypted the file or folder.
Also Read:- How To Password Protect a Folder in Windows 10
3. How to Password Protect a Folder in Windows XP Home
Unfortunately, the hide option is not available in the Windows XP Home version. In order to make it available, you just have to meet some requirements and then you are done. Here are the requirements which you need to fulfill if you want to enable the hide option in Windows XP Home version:
- The hard drive must be formatted in the NTFS file system.
- The folder which you want to encrypt must be your personal folder. For example, if your name is Mike, then you must password protect this folder or the folders within it. You won’t be able to encrypt any folder outside of this folder.
Steps to Password Protect a File or Folder in Windows XP Home Version
- Select the file or folder which you want to hide.
- Right-click on the file or folder and then select “Properties” option.
- Click on the “Sharing” option and then check the box which states “Make this folder private” text.
- Now, click on Apply and you are done.
Things to Keep in Mind Whenever You Password Protect a File or Folder
- There is no such thing which can guarantee 100% security to protect your files. There are lots of tools which can break the encryption and if it happens then the other person will be able to steal your information. So, if you really concerned about your folder protection, then we recommend you to purchase a premium software to protect your files and folders.
- Even though if a file or folder is protected, it doesn’t mean that it can not be deleted from your computer. So, Always keep in mind to take a backup of your files even if they are protected.
- Always make sure to write the password on a piece of paper so that if you forgot it, then you can take the reference from the paper.
Conclusion
That’s it! These are the best possible solutions which you can use to password protect your files and folders. I hope you found this guide worth reading. If this was helpful, then share it with your friends, family, and relatives who are looking for the same. Also, if you have any doubts or questions to ask, then let me know in the comment section below so that I can help you out.