Best privacy lock software for Windows 7 PCs
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Key notes
- If you want to hide your files from prying eyes, you need the best folder lock software available for Windows 7.
- The first of the tools below encrypts your files and folders using online backup features.
- Another great software has a password manager to store all your passwords and codes online.
- You can also choose a program that can hide files and folders to be totally invisible to all users.
Most of us don’t really worry about the data we save on our PCs or laptops and would not even consider protecting it. Not protecting our data can cause serious issues – losing files forever, valuable information stolen, etc.
There is also the possibility that your friends or family accidentally delete files when using your computer. Or there is even the possibility of getting attacked by hackers with the aim of stealing and manipulating your personal data.
Windows 7 doesn’t give you the option to lock individual folders with passwords without installing third party software. Even thought there is an option to hide folders on Windows 7, it has little to no use because of the fact that the folder can easily be un-hidden and accessed.
In this article, we will explore the top five folder locker software available for Windows 7 to hide your files from prying eyes.
5 tools to protect your files and folders on Windows 7
FolderLock
Folder Lock was designed to offer you the capability to protect your files and folders by encrypting them, using online backup features, etc. Using this software allows you to even shred files and also clear your history.
This app offers two-way encryption allowing you to backup your encrypted files in the cloud. This feature lets you create a password protected backup so that the information is secured and protected at all times. With this feature you can restore your data even if your PC gets stolen or if files get deleted.
One of the best features of FolderLock is that it offers you the possibility to create digital wallets. You can store information such as banking details, credit cards, transactions, ATM pin, etc.
Sometimes we need to get rid of a file for good, and the Shred feature found in FolderLock can do just that. Using this option deletes your files permanently from your hard disk and can’t be recovered even by using specialized recovery software.
- Download now FolderLock (Free)
AxCrypt
AxCrypt was born in 2001 when the creators wanted to share confidential data online, and couldn’t find a good option of software. They created this tool to be simple and easy to use but also powerful.
Key features include:
- Strong encryption – 128-bit/256-bit AES encryption
- Cloud support
- Secured files can be opened by other AxCrypt users
- AxCrypt Mobile — you can open encrypted files on your phone.
To set up AxCrypt on your Windows 7 PC, you will need to download and install it, then create an account. To finish the process, you need to choose a password after entering the activation code.
AxCrypt is very easy to use. You need to select one or more files that you would like to encrypt, and right-click on it. If you want to open files for viewing you can double click them.
AxCrypt has a built-in Key Sharing feature that allows you to share your secured files with other. In order to do so, you have to follow these simple steps :
- Choose the file you want to share.
- Add or select a contact.
- Click “OK” to give access to your file.
- Send the actual file to the recipient
AxCrypt’s also has a password manager that gives you the power to store all your passwords and codes online, without risking losing them forever.
Easy File Locker
Easy File Locker is a light weight file lock software that can protect your files and folder with ease. This software allows you to have peace of mind knowing that nobody can open, read or modify your locked folders in any way.
Easy File Locker can also hide files and folders.The hidden files/folders will be totally invisible to all users and to any program.
This software comes with a password protected GUI and uninstaller so that once you set a password, no one will be able to access it or uninstall the software.
File Lock PEA
This program is another light-weight tool for password protection and encryption of your files and folders.
File Lock PEA is written in Java which means that you need a Java Runtime Environment — that is already installed on your PC in most cases.
File PEA encrypts files and folders with powerful encryption. This program allows you to protect you anonymity and private data by using it’s efficient memory-hard key derivations.
This option of software is designed to handle several files or folders – it is not suitable for large amounts of data.
My Lockbox
My Lockbox is another great security software that enables you to password protect any folder on your computer.
The protected folders are automatically hidden from any user and application of your system including Administrator and System itself.
This program is extremely easy to use. After you set the lockbox location on your PC and added a password, Lockbox will be hidden and inaccessible until you’ve entered the valid password.
Key features include:
- Clear and convenient Ui in 10 languages
- Hotkeys
- Data protection without limitations
- Password protection for locked data
- Free edition can protect one folder with unlimited number of subfolders, and the professional edition protects unlimited number of folders
- Safe online password recovery
- Doesn’t allow you to lock systemfolders (C:Windows)
- You can easily create backups
- Works even in Windows safe mode
- Great lookin UI
- It’s freeware
Conclusion
In this article, we listed 5 software options that allow you to lock your files and folders away from prying eyes. The tools presented here cover both complex and simple programs that encrypt the data on your Windows 7 PC.
These options can even backup your data online giving you unlimited access to your files.
What software did you choose to use from this list and why? Let us know in the comment section bellow.
Speaking of keeping your computer safe from prying eyes, you can also check out our series of guides on the best privacy software and hardware solutions to use today.
Important note: Microsoft officially ended Windows 7 support. As a result, some of the tools listed above may not run properly on this OS version. If you’re planning to upgrade to Windows 10, make sure to check out our wide collection of guides on how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
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