How to Lock a Folder on Windows 11: 2 Useful Methods
Everything you need to secure the folders and files on your PC
- Even with all the fresh news regarding the security improvements on Windows 11, users still want to know how to lock their folders.
- There is a way to achieve your goal when it comes to simple files or even entire folders by using your OS settings.
- Another option is to use a dedicated tool that gives more security and flexibility.
One of the goodies that came with Windows 11 is the improved security. And a great part of that is the ability to lock your folder to secure it.
This is especially useful if you share your PC with other users. In this guide, we will show you how to password protect a folder on Windows 11 and take advantage of the excellent security.
Does Windows 11 have a secure folder?
Windows 11 does not have a secure folder per se. However, the Ransomware protection feature of Windows Security has a controlled folder option.
This allows you to secure the select files and folders from unfriendly apps. Also, you can encrypt your folders. However, this folder will only be protected from other user accounts.
This means that anybody that gets access to your user account will also have access to the folder. Read on to find out how to lock a folder on Windows 11 with or without software.
How can I password protect a folder in Windows 11?
1. Use the properties settings
You can easily password protect your files from the prying eyes of others by configuring the Properties settings. Here is a guide step-by-step:
- Right-click on the file you want to protect and select Properties from the drop-down menu.
2. A window will open. Here, click on Advanced.
3. Tick the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data and then click OK.
4. After you click on Apply, a pop-up will open asking you if you want to back-up your file. Make your selection and the pop-up will close.
5. If you are encrypting a folder, you will be asked to choose whether you want all folders within that directory to be password protected. When you’ve decided, click OK.
6. Your folder is now password-protected by your account as you can see by the little padlock symbol. Note that if you ever add new content to that folder, it will automatically be encrypted too.
NOTE
2. Lock folder with a dedicated tool
If you wish to know how to lock and encrypt a folder on Windows 11 with a password, your best bet is to use a dedicated tool WinZIP. This tool protects your folder and files even on your user account.
With this, even if someone has access to your account, they won’t still be able to open the secured folder. It just gives you complete control of who can access the folders and files on your PC.
That’s everything on how to lock a folder on Windows 11. With the info in this guide, you should not have problems securing your files and folders going forward.
In the same vein, if you need a list of the best folder and file locker tools, check our guide for excellent and effective software to use today.
Feel free to let us the option you would prefer to use and why in the comments below.
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