How Do I Protect My Computer Folders?

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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

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screenshot of locking a folder

Screenshot: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

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 to password protect folders.

1. Encrypt files and folders in Microsoft Windows 

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

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

Now the files are in a protected folder. This process will also work on a zip file.

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

2. 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.

  1. Find and select the folder you want to protect.
  2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
  3. Open the Security tab, and click on Edit.
  4. 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.

3. Password protect folders and files on Mac

The process is similar if you use a Mac.

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

4. Protect files on Google Drive

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

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

Click the Save Changes button, then click Done.

5. 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 beyond a locked folder with encrypted files.

  • 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 lockbox 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.

  • Protect your smart home from hacking

Using strong passwords, choosing the right smart home tech, and more can prevent bad actors from accessing your files. Our guide on protecting your smart home will get you started.

For more on keeping your personal information safe, be sure to check out these tips to prevent identity theft and our picks for the best identity theft protection tools.


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Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca is the Managing Editor and lead safety expert at SafeWise.com, where she's been researching, testing, and writing about home and personal security for over 12 years. Her safety smarts come from both real life and professional experience—as a single parent trying out safety and security gadgets to protect her family and a former college director responsible for safety plans and strategies to keep buildings, grounds, and hundreds of students and faculty safe every day. With 30 years of experience as a journalist and blogger, she's become a go-to source for trustworthy, practical advice on everything from the best home security systems and smart gadgets to keeping kids safe online, preventing package theft, and understanding crime trends nationwide. PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, NPR, Vice, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, HGTV, Marketplace, On the House, and more have featured Rebecca's expert insights and recommendations. Whether it's protecting your home, your loved ones, or your peace of mind, Rebecca makes safety simple, doable, and real.

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