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How Do I Protect My Computer Folders?

Security Expert, Safety & Tech Reporter

Published on April 08, 2021

Chances are you’ve taken measures to secure your computer from unauthorized access, but what about individual files and folders? When it comes to keeping your personal information private, it’s worth the extra effort to add password protection to computer folders.

How to password protect a folder

There’s more than one way to restrict access to important files and folders on your computer. The software or operating system you use will affect the options available to you.

Encrypt Files and Folders in Microsoft Windows

You can protect files through encryption in most Windows versions.* Here’s how:

Find and select the folder or file you want to encrypt.
Right-click on the folder or file and select Properties.
Open the General tab, and select the Advanced button.
Check the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data.
After checking the box, select Apply and click OK.

*Home editions of older Windows versions may not have the encryption feature available.

Password Protect Folders and Files in Microsoft Windows

If you use Windows 10, you can create hidden folders that are password protected without needing special software. You can also edit the permissions settings of a folder to control access to the contents.

Find and select the folder you want to protect.
Right-click the folder and select Properties.
Open the Security tab, and click on Edit.
Select a user name or group and click Deny Access. After access is denied to a user or group, an administrative password will be required to access the folder.

Password Protect Folders and Files on Mac

The process is similar if you use a Mac.

Find and select the folder you want to protect.
Right-click the folder and select Get Info.
Open the Sharing & Permissions tab.
Select a user name or group and select the access or “privilege” you want to allow (Read Only, Read & Write, or No Access).

Protect Files on Google Drive

If you use Google Drive, you can add security and privacy to your documents.

Find and select the document you want to protect.
Click the Share button in the top right corner of the screen.
Click the Advanced button in the bottom right corner of the pop-up box.
Check the box next to Disable options to download, print, and copy for commenters and viewers.

Click the Save Changes button, then click Done.

Other tips to protect computer files and folders

Because it’s difficult to set up foolproof file protection from a determined hacker, it’s smart to use redundant security protocols and other privacy tools when possible.

Use a Compression Tool

You can archive sensitive files, compress them, and encrypt the contents with a required password.

Install Third-Party Software

There are a number of programs available to help you encrypt data or password protect folders and files. Some, like 7-Zip, are free, while others like Folder Guard must be purchased.

Back Up Important Files

Even if something is protected with a password, it can still be deleted. Make sure to keep a backup of all your important files and folders.

Keep Track of Passwords

Few things are worse than forgetting the password to an important document. Use a password manager to keep track of file and folder passwords. As an extra measure, make an unprotected archived copy of documents that you password protect. You can store them in a lock box on a USB drive or external hard drive.

Use Anti-Malware

Installing the extra protection of an antivirus or anti-malware program helps keep your whole system safe as well as individual files and folders.

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Written by

Rebecca Edwards

Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past eight. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime reports and spotting trends. Her safety expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, NPR, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of radio and TV clips.