If you have files, you would want that others will not be able to access it, so lock them up with a password and it will be a simple way to protect it. Windows has built a password for the basic protection of your files. However, we would like to start it with a warning or an alert, that these methods are not to be applied on a big scale or for any critical or criminal use. Now without any further delay let us see how you can put a password on a folder in windows 10 without software.
Put a password on a folder in Windows step by step
To start it, use file explorer to get the file or the folder you wish to protect. Simply right-click on that and then click on the properties.
At the bottom of the context menu. Now press the Advance button in the attributes section in the windows.
Tick on the Encrypt contents to secure data, check the box, and click OK. so, you can get back to the main properties. Now you simply have to click on Apply in order to let Windows begin encrypting your files.
After the completion of the process, you will be prompted to back up the encryption key in case you have never used the feature before. Now select the toast notification and follow the instructions to make a note of your encryption. You will be needing this information if you ever lose access to your encrypted files, hence it is important to back up them.
You will find projected of your files or folder with the password once the backup complete. They are encrypted with a key that is linked with your Windows user account. So, if anyone would be trying to access it may be online or physically by your hard drive, he will see nothing other than garbled text which will be meaningless.
Can you reverse the Encryption or Remove Folder Password?
Well, the answer is Yes, you can reverse the encryption at any time. Simply by heading back to the properties, Windows, and by opening the advanced attributes again on the same pane. Simply Untick or uncheck the “Encrypt Contents to secure data”. Check the box and click on OK to close the windows. However, after encryption, you can also click on the “Details” in order to read about them along with the recovery procedure.
Tips and Warnings
- In the first place there are easy ways browsing in the Windows Explorer. You can simply browse it by clicking on the “Start” and then > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer. Or you can also click on the Start button > inputting ‘Explorer’ command in the Run box (or pressing the Windows + R on your keyboard).
- This method is only available in the NTFS file system. Format your file system to NTFS first, if your file system is FAT.
- You can also be able to encrypt files with this method. Just notice that when you will be encrypting the files and the folders, it will firstly be decompressed always.
- Only use this method if you are in real need, and not for any critical use as mentioned above.
That’s it for, hence again it’s a reminder that it is only for the essential security purpose use. However, it is ideal if you use
the PC and just want to secure it to be going into other hands. However, if you need protection, you can also use third-party software which is especially and particularly for this problem. There are many free software in the market to provide folder with password.
You can enable the BitLocker feature (Pro and Enterprise edition only). However, after installing the third-party app, you will be at peace of mind which will be good for you.
However, BitLocker operates at different levels to file based encryption to solve different problems. The feature encrypts the whole drive and not the single file. So once the window is started everything will be decrypted and will be available to everyone.
Conclusion
So, this is how you will be putting a password on a folder in windows 10 without software. If you read this article and found it helpful do share it with your pals to help or make them learn more about it. However, still, remember this is for your personal data or file security. Kindly do not apply it anywhere that could cause others harm or put you in trouble at the same time. However, you can also opt for third-party apps which are trusted and reliable like we mentioned above. Encrypting a file is way more important than any cost which causes the loss of your data or your personal information or files.
