Windows 11/10 offers a lot of features, including hiding a file or folder. But there is no way to lock the individual folders with passwords. Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 come with the BitLocker Drive Encryption feature, but it is not suitable to lock individual folders. Now, what to do to lock a folder with a password?
SecretFolder for Windows 11/10
SecretFolder is a free utility for Windows operating systems that lets you protect a folder with a password. While you can find several third-party applications to protect a folder, most of them are paid or may not work as advertised.
The SecretFolder program comes with a basic and easy-to-use interface. Furthermore, it is compatible with all Windows operating systems, including the latest Windows 11. Once you protect a folder using SecretFolder, the folder will not appear in Windows Explorer (File Explorer). The other noticeable feature of this application is that users can’t access protected folders even from the Command Prompt.
An impressive feature of SecretFolder that I like is Protected Uninstall. That means even the administrator account of your PC can not uninstall it without entering the master password. This means someone can’t access your protected folders just by gaining access to your PC. Now you may think that we can uninstall it using third-party uninstaller software. Forget this option also. Even third-party uninstallers can’t uninstall SecretFolder without entering a valid password.
Protected Uninstall is a great feature of SecretFolder, as anyone who has access to your computer can bypass the login screen and enter into your PC. By any means, if a user gains access to your computer, they can’t access your folder if they are locked with SecretFolder.
SecretFolder supports NTFS, FAT, FAT32, and exFAT file systems. It is free for unlimited use, and you can pack any size folder with a password to protect from prying eyes.
How to Use SecretFolder?
Step 1. Download SecretFolder.
Step 2. Install it on your computer like regular software.
Step 3. Launch the application now.
Step 4. Setup with password and recovery email.
Step 5. Now, the main interface of the SecretFolder will open.
Step 6. To protect a folder with a password, click on the
Step 7. To unlock and show protected folders, open the SecretFolder application. Enter the password to gain access.
Step 8. Select the folder you want to unlock, and click the
Step 9. Now, the desired folder is restored in the File Explorer original location. You will notice status as Unlock on SecretFolder application.
Step 10. One should note that if you unlock a folder, it will remain in unlocked status until you relock it. So, before closing the application, make sure all folders are locked. To relock the unlocked folder, select the folder and click on the
Step 11. If you forget the password of SecretFolder, open the program and click on the
Step 12. Click on the
Step 13. Now, you will receive an email from OHSOFT. Open the email, and copy the recovery key from there.
Step 14. Paste the copied recovery key on SecretFolder “Recovery Key” box and then click
Step 15. Now, the
Download SecretFolder
SecretFolder is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. You can download it from its official website.