How to put a password on all folders. Set a password for the network folder. Using virtual disks

Many users sometimes have a desire to hide some information from unauthorized persons. But not everyone knows how to password protect a folder or do anything similar. Let's look at how to put a password on a folder on Windows 10.

You can hide your information without programs from the Internet. Everything you need is in the operating system. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on any folder and select

1. In the window that opens, go to the tab

1. Press

1. You will see a list of users and groups on your computer. Specify the required account. For example,

1. Immediately after this, a list of rights that he has for this directory will be displayed below. Place the checkboxes at your discretion and complete the action with the " OK".

If you uncheck all the boxes in the "Allow", then in the future if he wants to open this directory, he will receive the following message.

Without administrator rights this person will not be able to access the contents of this folder.

Using archivers

This is an alternative method for storing rarely used information. Today, almost everyone has such programs on their computer. Let's look at the most popular of them.

You can buy the application on its official website.

For archiving necessary information right click on the desired folder.

After that, select the items “ » – "Add to archive…".

In the window that opens, you can specify:

• file name;
• its location;
• format;
• and much more.

The most important thing is to click on the button "Uset a password."

Immediately after clicking you will be prompted to enter twice required password. Then click on the button OK".

In the future, when you open this file, the following window will always appear.

Without knowing the security key, even you will not be able to see the data stored there.

7Zip

To call this program, you also first need to right-click the mouse.

Then select " 7- Zip» – "Add to archive...".

This archiver operates on the same principle. You will only enter the password in this window:

Locking documents

If you need to hide from prying eyes content Microsoft file Word or Excel, it is not necessary to set a password for the entire directory. It is enough to block the file itself.

To do this, go to the menu "Office", select items there “Prepare” - “Encrypt document”.

Immediately after this you will be asked to enter your security key.

Then again to confirm.

If someone wants to open this document, they will be shown the following window.

Until the password is entered, the contents of the file will not be displayed.

Using virtual disks

If you decide to make a folder with a password, then first you should try Alternative option using encrypted images. This method is much more convenient and does not require installing additional software.

BitLocker on Windows

Let's consider step by step how to create virtual storages data using operating system Windows 10

1. To begin, press the Win + X buttons on your keyboard. In the menu that opens, click on the item "Run."

1. Enter next command and click on the button OK".

diskmgmt.msc

1. The result of this action will be the opening of the utility

1. Select items from the menu "Action" — "Create a virtual HDD».

1. Specify the location where the image will be located and its size. If you wish, you can choose dynamic size. Once all this data has been entered, click on the " OK".

During placement, you need to manually specify the file name.

1. Immediately after this, a new unknown section will appear in your list.

1. Right-click and select "Initialize disk."

1. In the window that opens, click on the button “ OK".

1. Disk 1 now displays the status "Base", but not "No data", as it was in the beginning.

1. Right-click again and this time in the new menu click on the item "Create a simple volume."

1. In the window that opens, click on the button "Further".

1. Specify the size (it is set to the maximum value by default) and click "Further".

1. Specify a letter and click "Further".

1. Let's just continue.

1. Finally click on the button "Ready".

This section is now displayed as normal.

1. Right click on the new volume .

1. Select an item "Turn onBitLocker".

1. Next, check the box next to the first item.

1. Enter password. Preferably complex.

1. You will be prompted to save the recovery key. You will need it if you forget your password.

1. After you specify convenient way, the key will be saved.

1. You will then be asked to specify the encryption mode.

1. Next, click on the button

After you are finished working with the data, virtual disk will need to be disabled. To do this, right-click the mouse and select "Extract."

For reconnection Just double-click on the disk file.

Immediately after this, it will appear on your computer.

Double-click on it. The system will then ask you to enter your security key.

If entered correctly, the virtual disk will be available for work.

Don't forget to remove it! If you do not do this, then anyone who sits down at the computer after you will be able to see all your data.

In cases where what is described above seems very complicated, it is recommended that you read the further information, which tells you how to password protect a folder using additional software.

Third Party Applications

Exist additional utilities, which allow you to block access to certain directories. As a rule, most of them are paid. There are also free programs, but they usually just make the folder hidden. Any advanced user if desired, he can find it and view the contents.

If you decide to install something like this, it is recommended that you look at the following examples.

TrueCrypt program

You can download it on the Internet great app. It can also encrypt your hard drive and do everything described above.

At the very beginning during installation, you will receive a message that this utility is only relevant for Windows more than earlier versions. And if you have “Ten”, then it is wiser to use Bitlocker, since it does the same thing.

If you have installed home edition or for educational institutions, then there is no possibility of disk encryption there.

You can download the program on its official website. This utility can:

• hide any folders, files and even sections;
• encrypt information and set a password to decrypt it.

First, you will be asked to enter a security code.

This program is easy to use. Click on the button Add Items to Lock» . After this you will be given a choice:

• add files;
• add folder;
• add hard section disk.

Folder Lock is a paid app.

If you forget the code, it will be impossible to restore the information. Moreover, you will need it when uninstalling this program.

This software is also paid. We are told this at the very beginning. You can download it on the home page. To view, please select " Run Trial Version».

Protect Folders is very simple utility, without set complex functions. Almost everyone can figure it out.

To get started, click on the “ Lock folders» . After this, a window will open in which you need to specify any directory and click on “ OK".

You will then be asked to enter your password. After that, to block, click on “ Lock Folder» .

This program only works with administrator rights. She does an excellent job. Moreover, it is completely free.

Using it you can block and remove protection immediately large quantity objects. For security, you can specify a login password.

To add a folder, click on «+» and specify the desired object.

After this, the selected directory will appear in the list. Right-click and select "".

Then you need to enter the password twice and click on the “” button.

Conclusion

Most The best way– this is to create a virtual encrypted disk. Because the:

• no one except you can open it;
• you don't need to buy additional software;
• the data is actually encrypted, not just hidden;
• all data is stored in one file, which you can carry with you on a flash drive;
• the ability to create an image of an expandable volume.

If you do not plan to use the hidden information for a long time, then it is better to archive it. This way you can save space on your computer and install a security key.

Don't use too much simple passwords(12345, your birthday, etc.), which are easy to pick up. But at the same time, you shouldn’t be too “wise”, since you can forget a very difficult one. Can you imagine what will happen to you if you lose all the information that is very important to you due to a forgotten password...

Video instruction

If you haven’t figured out how to put a password on a folder in Windows 10, we recommend watching the video additionally.

Unfortunately, Windows does not provide the ability to protect a folder with a password. In many cases, a folder with a password would help protect important data from being viewed by strangers without special problems. I will discuss how to implement this on a laptop or computer in this article. The instructions are suitable for systems with Windows 7, 8 and 10

We'll talk about demons paid programs oh and them paid analogues, as well as some other methods ( without third party utilities ) with which you can protect folders and valuable data in them with a password.

Free utilities and programs for setting a password for a folder

There are few such programs, but there are those that can easily help you put a password on a folder. I will conduct a mini review of the most worthy ones, and you yourself will choose which one is best for you. They must be compatible with popular versions Windows OS. All links will be listed immediately in the article.

It is important to know that it is not necessary to install more than 1 program for such purposes. They may conflict with each other.

Anvide Seal Folder

Probably the most popular free program, which allows you to make a folder under a password. There is support for the Russian language. Download the archive and run it. Add to the list 1 or more folders that need to be protected with a password. Just drag them into working window. Close access from the menu ( or press F5). Do this for all required files.

The settings allow you not only to encrypt the folder with a password, but also the data stored in it ( name, file size). All unsuccessful attempts authorizations are remembered and shown when entered correctly.

You can easily check the remaining features yourself. The author of the program always helps if any problems arise.

WinMend Folder Hidden

A program with a very attractive interface that allows you to access folders using a password. There is Russian localization ( after installation and launch). Download and use for free.

Just a few control buttons. Except color scheme and there are no language settings. Drag a folder into the window and it will automatically become hidden. It can only be accessed from within the program.

The disadvantages include the lack of encryption without hiding folders.

SecretFolder

No less simple program on English language, but has a very friendly interface that even an inexperienced user can understand. Download it and install it. Enter the password at 1st start. It will be required to enter the program where the protected folders will be located.

This password is also required when deleting ( For reliability, you can use recovery via Email address).

Once in the working window, you just need to drag the folder into it with the mouse or select it in the directory through the menu ( Add). Pay attention to the status. Lock - protected. Unlock - no protection. To gain access to the files again, you will need to go into the program and unlock the directory from here. The window below shows instructions that most likely will not be useful.

Such simple actions You can reliably prevent unauthorized people from accessing a folder with valuable files.

DirLock

The easiest to use program, by installing it you can protect a folder immediately from context menu Windows Explorer (will appear new line Lock/Unlock). There is nothing superfluous in it. Download it and lock the folder by entering the password 2 times. This must be done every time after viewing protected files.

All protected folders are displayed in the main program window. They can also be unlocked from here.

Convenient and safe solution.

Paid programs to protect folders

If free options are not suitable, then you can use paid ones. They are of course made of better quality and have more functionality, but you have to pay for it. I will consider the best programs in my opinion, and you decide which one is best for you.

Folder Guard

This program has a free trial period 30 days. Russian language is available. Immediately after installation, you will be asked to enter a password to enter the program. To set a password for a folder, just drag it into the window. Each setup step is described in detail and no difficulties should arise. Download it and install it.

You can simply hide the folder, both regular and network, or you can set a password. It is possible to restrict access different users. There is a function disaster recovery in case the password was forgotten.

There is even protection in safe mode. The program hides itself using the “Hidden” attribute. Call supported hotkey. Everything can be fine-tuned to suit your needs. Of the minuses, I would note that the certificate is in English.

In general, it is very convenient to use; in addition to setting a password, there are a lot of different options. IN different situations they can really be helpful.

IObit Protected Folder

The simplest of all paid programs to protect folders on native language (selectable in settings). 20 trial runs. Supports everything current versions Windows. From the picture below you can see that it will not cause any difficulties in use.

There are several options additional parameters. I liked this program more than all the others. Convenient, fast, safe and there is nothing superfluous. Download it and try it yourself.

My Lockbox

Another program from a Russian developer that will allow you to easily protect your important data. There are no bells and whistles in it. When starting for the first time, you will be required to enter a password. Access to all folders will be opened after entering it. There is a recovery service via Email ( not necessary). Download and test.

The interface has only a few main buttons. It is possible to set a filter for trusted processes. Lots of themes. The functionality is similar to other programs.

1. Install—adds protection to the folder.
2. Clear - deletes it.

It is possible to use for free with only 1 folder. IN paid version this limitation is removed and user support is added.

Locking a folder with a password inside the archive

You can encrypt your virtual hard disk or flash drives. If you forget your password, it will be almost impossible to recover your data. Reliable method protection using Windows without third party programs.

Microsoft script for setting a password for a folder

An unreliable method, the protection of which is very easily bypassed simple switching on showing hidden system Windows files. However, this is also the case in this article, as otherwise the folder is accessed using a password that was previously set. The advantage of this method is that you do not need to download any third-party applications.

What else can you do

In Windows, although there is no built-in function for setting a password for folders, you can get by simple creation second user and set a password for the account. In addition to this, limit rights. Quite simple and effective method data protection. However, an experienced user can handle this too.

I would also advise encrypting it. This can be done using the same Bitlocker utility or similar ones. There is also a disadvantage here in that the section can simply be deleted and the data will be lost.

Of all the above, the most reliable way to protect a folder is encryption. But here, if you forget your password, you yourself lose access to the data. I add the folder to the archive and encrypt it. I think this is much more convenient and safer than everything else. It all depends on who needs to hide the information. There is no 100% protection against everyone.

I hope you have found a solution to your problem. I will answer all questions in the comments.

Which method did you use?

A computer that is accessed by multiple people may need to protect the data stored on its hard drive. An office machine with personal work or a home PC with storage on its hard drive. secret information- not important.

There are two ways to solve the problem - either, or protect separate folder. Then neither curious household members nor equally inquisitive colleagues will be able to view the contents of the “secret” folder without permission. To learn how to set a password for a folder, read further in the text of our article.

Option 1. Protection using Windows

For PC with OS Windows versions XP and older provide an extremely simple method for putting a password on a folder on your computer. He doesn't require additional download applications or software installations.

To implement it, several conditions must be met:

1. The folder (file) must be stored in the file section NTFS system. To display file system you need to go to START – My Computer – Required Disk(in the screenshot this is drive C).

2. The user must create a separate account with a password in advance.

In order to put a folder under a password, you need to hover the cursor over the desired folder (the “Password” folder in the example) and right-click on the icon. In the window that appears, in “Properties”, check the “Cancel” box. general access to the folder." After clicking “Apply” and confirming the password, the folder is closed to outsiders.

This was the first of many methods - the simplest and quick option protect folders with valuable information.

Option 2. Using third-party utilities

Third-party programs for setting passwords on folders – great way data protection. Among the numerous programs it is worth noting such as:

• Anvide Lock Folder – a serial compact program, to use which there is no need to install the application on your computer. The program file can be stored on removable media(flash memory, external drive);
• Password Protect USB– performs the same functions. Designed to maintain the confidentiality of data in folders stored both on the hard drive and on USB drives;
• File lock– the utility is convenient to use. Allows you to protect folders with a password and saves the passwords used for each folder. Using the program you can do complete removal files or folders (it will not be possible to recover deleted data - the utility clears the area on the disk previously occupied by the folder).

The operating principle of such useful utilities can be considered using the example of one of the most popular programs- Password Protect USB. You can download it both in a trial version and in “full volume” on some software portals.

The first use of the utility requires running it:

• in the window you need to select Lock item Folders;
• specify the path to the desired folder;
• Set password.

After making sure that the program works correctly, without errors, you can proceed more succinctly:

• right-click on the icon of the desired folder;
• select “Lock with Password Protect...” in the dialog box;

• Enter the password twice in the appropriate lines to set the password and confirm it;
• You can use a password hint by checking the “Password Hint” checkbox.

The appearance of the folder will now change - the set password will be indicated by a “brick” on the icon. Unauthorized attempts to open a folder protected in this way will be met with a prompt to enter a secret code:

To unlock, just right-click on the folder and select in the window the desired line. After entering the password, the folder will again be open to all PC users.

Option 3. Using archivers

Strictly speaking, now we’re not really talking about setting a password for a folder. This method password protects not the folder itself, but its zipped version. Wherein this option is distinguished by a certain elegance - after all, archivers are usually used only for their intended purpose. So creating a password protected version of the folder can be thought of as interesting way data protection.

First of all, you will need the archiver program itself. Download and install on PC WinRAR program, the user gets the opportunity to securely hide important data behind a password. In addition, the document archive takes up much less usable space on your hard drive or flash drive.

How to use the utility to protect folders? Right-clicking on the folder icon will open a window in which you need to select the “Add to archive” line.

In the archiver window that opens, select “Set password”:

All that remains is to set the required password and remember it - recovering passwords for archives is quite complicated.

Now you need to delete the original folder. The saved archive will be reliably protected - each time you try to extract information, you will be asked to enter a password.

Sometimes users need to put a password on a folder or file. Unfortunately, there is no such thing in Windows. special function This is something that operating system developers would do well to think about. But I exist special programs for these purposes. They allow you to put a password on both a folder and individual files.

Why do you need a password on the folder? Basically, people want to block access to a folder with a password if it contains some documents or Personal Photos. If you use a laptop or netbook. then it wouldn’t hurt you to put strong password to folders containing important information for you. In case of loss or theft of the device, your folders with files will be reliably protected from curious people or, God forbid, intruders.

There are two ways to install secret passwords on folders, this is done with the help of archiver programs such as WinRar or 7z and with the help of programs that put a password directly on the folder and not on the archive.

METHOD 1. How to put a password on a folder using WinRAR program

For example, we have a folder with documents that need to be destroyed. Open the WinRAR archiver program and find our “Documents” folder. Select it and find it in the upper left corner of the program and click the “Add” button

In the “Archive name and parameters” window we see that our archive will be called “Documents.rar” (if you wish, you can simply rename it to any name convenient for you, for example “My Documents” or “Secret Files”).

At the top, select the “Advanced” tab

On the right we find the “Set password” button and click on it

We get to the input and archiving window. In the first field we set a strong password, and in the second field we confirm it

Recommendation for setting a password! Do not enter your date of birth, children's birthdays, names of your pets, cats, dogs, crocodiles, etc., etc. Because it can simply be hacked or guessed by searching through words and dates of birth.

Set the password (if the documents are really very important) to something complex set characters with the addition of numbers and alternations CAPITAL and CAPITAL LETTERS. Example: Sdty49URTg5hj2 R12; This password will definitely be difficult to crack.

After the password is entered into the fields, click the “Ok” button

Now the ruined archive is ready

Now, when we try to open or unzip a file, we will always be asked for a password, and until we enter it, there will be no way to view the document.

METHOD 2. How to set a password for a folder without archive.

The first method of setting a password is good, but there are some inconveniences. They consist in the fact that you have to work not directly with a folder, but with an archive, which is not always very convenient, and when working with a document, you can lose some of the saved information when saving it. So in the second method, let's look at setting a password directly on the folder.

There are many programs for these purposes, but many of them are paid. I will use a program called Anvide Lock Folder. Why did I choose this particular program? Here are some benefits:

First of all, this program is free.

Secondly, it is in Russian

Thirdly, it does not need to be installed, it is simply launched from a file

Fourthly, it has a nice and clear interface

Fifthly, after setting a password on a folder, it hides it so that you won’t be able to find it until you remove the password.

Well, these are the benefits that I noticed during personal testing.

So, to use it you need to download it first. We go to the manufacturer's website at http://anvidelabs.narod.ru/ find and download the Anvide Lock Folder program. Perhaps the developer's site has moved, so it can be found through a comprehensive Yandex search.

Downloaded the program. Unzip it somewhere.

We launch the program for setting a password for the folder. When you first launch it, it will prompt you to read the license. Click the “I Accept” button license agreement" In subsequent launches it will launch immediately bypassing this window

So, in fact, it was installed without any problems, which is good news. Now we need to select the folder on which we want to set a password and hide it from prying eyes. Click on the big plus sign, which means adding a folder

In the folder overview, I select the same “Documents” folder as in the first method and click “Ok”

Now, having previously selected the folder for setting the password “Documents”, click on the “Lock” button

Is there some more special option“Reminders”, in case we suddenly forget set password. The button is in the lower right corner. Just press it and write a hint

A folder protected with a complex password on a computer or laptop that can be accessed by several people - reliable way save important information. The secret word code will protect digital data from viewing and editing, and will also protect it from deletion. Let's find out how you can put a password on a folder in Windows 10? Are there alternative methods protection?

Setting a password using standard Windows tools

The Windows 10 operating system does not have built-in functionality that can be used to protect a specific folder. There is an easy way to restrict access to account user by placing a code word at the input (thereby blocking access to any file). There is also a more complicated one - use the built-in encryption function BitLocker drives(it will be impossible to open it without entering the cipher word). The problem with using the BitLocker service is that if the system crashes or the user forgets the password, emergency measures will have to be taken to recover the files.

And also for operating systems Windows family There is one unique functionality that allows you to make an object invisible to users. Using it, there is no need to come up with a complex cipher for opening, which can be forgotten over time.
To hide a folder proceed as follows:
Important! Both protection methods are valid for all versions of the Windows 7, 8, 10, XP, Home, Vista OS family.

An alternative way to protect folders

A large percentage of users use the program instead of the built-in Explorer in Windows 10 Total Commander or file managers with similar functionality: Free, Double, Troll, Midnight Commander or other products. With their help it is very easy to set a password on an object. This can be done after standard installation any file manager. The procedure is as follows:

Important! After the procedure, opening files will be available only after entering secret code. If the user needs to hide an object and encrypt it, this can be done in Commander. You need to go through the procedure of hiding a folder through the “Properties” menu (described above), and then:

The object is now protected and invisible. Can be used individual programs WinRar archivers and 7-Zip, but if you have a file manager on your PC or laptop, installing them is impractical.

Setting a password using third-party resources

There are many software products that can improve the security of storing personal data - Flash Crypt, dirLock, Secure Folder, WinMend Folder Hidden, Wise Folder Hider, My Lockbox, Easy File Locker, Anvide Seal Folder and many more. Most of the utilities are free, equipped with a multilingual interface and functional. The Wise Folder Hider software product from the reliable and proven developer WiseCleaner is suitable for all Windows OS families and for those new to folder encryption

Download Wise program Folder Hider is available for free online. Its installation is standard and fast ( free version on the network with the Portable prefix). The only condition is a password to open the utility. You can put any one. Then proceed like this:

After completing the procedure, the object will disappear from the list of folders on the disk (hidden) and will be accessible only through the application. Another small and easy to use utility is Secure Folders. It has a little more functionality and an English-language interface. But it does not complicate the work, since the software offers a minimum number of operations. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the code word is set to open the program itself - that is, you need to enter and come up with one code, which is easier to remember. After adding a folder to the Secure Folders application, it is impossible to open it without opening the program itself.

Use the software like this:

Important! To access an object, you need to temporarily remove it from the application by clicking the red cross on the right side of the line. Once the document work is completed, the object is added back to the application.

If you need something more functional software, which will allow you to encrypt any PC objects, it is better to download the Hide Folder utility. Its interface is Russian, the installation is standard. After installation, proceed as follows:

Access to the facility is limited. Built-in operating room capabilities Windows systems 10 is quite sufficient to protect files and documents. Main secret security - competent and complex password. If one is installed, then it will be virtually impossible to break it, regardless of what program was used for encryption.