How to password-protect a folder on a computer without programs. Paid folder protection software

Sometimes users need to put a password on a folder or file. Unfortunately Windows does not have this. special function what developers should think about operating system. But there are special programs for these purposes. They allow you to put a password both on a folder and on individual files.

What is the password for the folder for? Basically, people want to lock access to a folder with a password if it contains some documents or personal photos. If you are using a laptop or netbook. then it would not 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 persons or, God forbid, intruders.

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

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

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

In the "Name and parameters of the archive" 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").

Select the "Advanced" tab at the top

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

We get into the input and archiving window. Set a strong password in the first field, and confirm it in the second field.

Password recommendation! Do not enter your date of birth, birthdays of children, names of your pets, cats, dogs, crocodiles, etc., etc. Because it can be simply hacked or guessed by searching words and dates of birth.

Set as a password (if really very important documents) some complex set of characters with the addition of numbers and strings CAPITAL LETTERS. Example: Sdty49URTg5hj2 R12; this password will definitely be hard to crack.

After entering the password in the fields, click the "OK" button.

Now the corrupted archive is ready

Now, when you try to open or unzip a file, you 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 no archive.

The first way to set a password is good, but there are some inconveniences. They lie in the fact that you have to work not directly with a folder, but with an archive, which is not always very convenient, and you can lose some of the saved information when working with a document while saving it. So in the second way, consider 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 Anvid Lock Folder. Why I chose 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 simply runs from the file

Fourth, it has a nice and clear interface.

Fifthly, after setting a password for a folder, it hides it so that you will find the hell until you remove the password.

Well, actually those advantages that I noticed during personal testing.

So, to use it, you need to download it first. Go to the manufacturer's website at http://anvidelabs.narod.ru/ find and download the program Anvide Lock Folder. 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 the password for the folder. At the first start, it will prompt you to read the license. Click the "Accept" button license agreement". In subsequent launches, it will run immediately bypassing this window.

Here, in fact, it is installed without any problems, which cannot but rejoice. Now you need to select the folder on which we want to set a password and hide from prying eyes. Click on the big plus sign, which means adding a folder

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

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

There is also a special “Reminders” option, in case we suddenly forget set password. The button is in the lower right corner. Just click it and write a hint

Setting a password for a folder is a fairly common way to restrict access to information. If for a number of reasons you cannot use the division into users of your personal computer, then this article will help you. operating room core Windows systems does not provide for setting a password for a specific folder, therefore, in order to protect information, you should use third-party software. Consider the nuances of working with the following software packages:

1. winrar.
2. AnvideSealFolder.
3. folder lock.

The specified software product is distributed for a fee. To set a ban on access to a directory, it should be added to .

Step 1. After launching the main software interface, you should specify the folder selected for setting access restrictions and use the "Add files to archive" command (the command is activated by clicking on the mouse, or using the "Alt + A" key combination).

Step 2 In the wizard that opens, switch to the "Advanced" subsection and use the "Set password" button.

Step 3 In the "Archive with password" dialog box, you must specify the key and confirm it.

To avoid typing errors, there is an option to display the password. The classic requirement for password security is compliance with the following principles:

1. The length is at least seven characters.
2. Using characters in the key body different categories(uppercase and lower case, digit, non-alphabetic characters).

Step 4 An archive will be created in the directory you specified in step 1, with installed key security.

Important! Remember, the security key will not allow you to view, modify, add files to the archive, however, it will leave the possibility of making a copy of it or uninstalling the archive as a whole.

Setting a password usingAnvideSealFolder

The software product has a freely distributed license.

Step 1. After the installation is complete, launch the interface software product.

Step 2 For more advanced protection, a two-level access restriction system is provided:

1. Restricting access to the program.
2. Restricting access to folders.

To set a security key for the software product itself, use the icon in the upper left corner of the main window.

Step 3 To restrict access to a specific directory, use the icon in the form of a "+" sign, or by pressing the "insert" key.

Step 4 After specifying the path and selecting the desired folder, you need to confirm its addition to the block list.

Step 5 After carrying out the above procedures, the corresponding entry appears in the folder list. To restrict access to it, use the icon in the form closed lock, or press "F5" and enter the key.

Step 6 After confirming the access restriction, the program will prompt you to enter a hint to the key, or skip this item.

The list may contain a large number of directories at the same time, while each folder can be closed with a personal key or a shared one.

Important! Remember, the protected directory becomes undiscoverable at its location (discovery is not possible even using specialized programs and software shells). Do not forget to unlock the folder during the reinstallation of Windows, otherwise there is a risk of losing data. You can allow access by using the corresponding menu icon, or by pressing the key F9.

Setting a password with FolderLock

The software product is covered by a paid license, but has test mode to set twenty passwords.

Step 1. On first start software package, you will be prompted to add a master key and confirm its installation.

Important! When lost given password You will not be able to uninstall the program from your personal computer.

Step 2 FolderLock re-requests the previously specified password, after which it gives access to the main software interface. A folder is added to the list of locks by dragging it into the program window, or by pressing the "AddItemstoLock" button.

On a note! You can password-protect not only a directory, but also a logical volume and a separate file.

Step 3 To select a directory, use the "AddFolder" option, specify its location in the wizard that opens, and confirm the selection using the "OK" button.

Important! Just like using the AnvideSealFolder program, you can restrict access to several resources at the same time, but all of them will be closed with the same master key entered in step 1. To unseal a specific directory, use the menu «lockFolders", paragraph "UnlockItems. As a result of using this button, the selected folder drops out of the blocked list and appears in its original directory. By analogy with AnvideSealFolder, remove all restrictions during reinstallationWindows to avoid losing information of locked folders.

Video - How to set a password for a folder

Conclusion

We have described the nuances of restricting access to a folder using three different software products, one of which is free. Remember, there is no "too much" security, so we recommend that you combine information security methods. For example, you can archive a folder with a password and then close the archive additional password using a different program. The evaluation of each software product is reflected in the summary table.

When you are trying to protect personal data, you probably set a password to boot the system or create an account with the appropriate access rights. Sometimes you just need to secure some piece of information. Therefore, users are beginning to look for materials about.

You can, of course, just hide the folder, but from the security point of view, this will not help you in any way. One has only to see it when you go to the directory where it is located. So this way is not safe.

Unfortunately, Windows 7 does not provide the ability to put a password on a folder, but there are other ways using third-party software. Again, this will not protect your folders from being deleted, for example, so there is no 100% guarantee.

Now let's look at the following methods for setting a password:

1. Programs archivers;
2. Special utilities;
3. Using a tricky bat script.

How to put a password on a folder using an archiver

The main purpose of archivers is to pack one or more elements into one file with the possibility of compression. We will use these tools to set a password for folders in Windows 7. These programs include:

1. WinRAR
2. winzip
3. 7-Zip
4. Hamster Free ZIP Archiver
5. A lot others.

Let's consider this possibility on the example of WinRAR and Hamster Free ZIP Archiver, as others operate on the same principle.

In order to password-protect the folder with the WinRAR utility, do the following algorithm:

1. Install WinRAR.

2. Click right click by folder and select "add to archive" in the context menu.

3. You will see the window "archive name and parameters". On the "general" tab, you must specify the name of the archive, select its format and the "normal" compression method. In general, you can not change anything here, I do not advise you to change the compression method, since our goal is just to password-protect the folder, and not waste precious time.

5. In the "password entry" window, check the box "display password as you type" so that you can see what you are entering and only once. If you do not want to see the contents of the archive, check the "encrypt file names" box. Set a password and click OK.

6. After the done actions, the window will have the name "archiving with a password", in which you must click the OK button. An archive will be created, upon clicking on which you will need to enter a password.

In the event that it is beaten wrong password, You will see an error message and will not be able to access the files.

In order to password-protect a folder in Windows 7 with Hamster Free ZIP Archiver, do the following:

1. Install Hamster Free ZIP Archiver.

2. Right-click on the folder and select "add to archive".

3. You will see the utility interface, where our folder will be displayed. Click on the "password" check the box "show password" and enter the intended combination.

4. Click the "archive" button and select "save to computer". Then specify the location to save the password-protected archive.

If you enter the wrong phrase, the program will warn you about it, so try again.

Special programs for setting a password

Such utilities use encryption of elements, with the help of them we will try to password-protect a folder in Windows 7. Even if these programs are removed, the files remain inaccessible. By putting passwords on the entrance of the applications themselves, you will raise the level of folder security. Consider an example: Flash Crypt and Anvide Lock Folder.

With Flash Crypt use the steps:

1. Install FlashCrypt.

2. Select the desired folder and right click, in the menu, click on "protectwithflashcrypt".

3. You will see a window where you need to enter a password twice at least 4 characters. Leave the rest unchanged and click "protect".

4. Wait for the folder to be encrypted, after which the Flash Crypt icon will appear on it. Click the left button and see how the password request window pops up. If entered correctly, the folder will be decrypted and will be available in its original form.

Anvide Lock Folder is portable and does not require installation. There is a possibility password-protect the entrance to the program. Do the following manipulations:

1. Run ALF.exe.

3. Click on the plus sign and select the folder you want to password-protect, and press the F5 key. Set a password and select the "Close access" button. You can also add hints if needed.

4. After that, the folder will hide from view and will be available only from the program.

5. In the program, click the F9 key, enter given password and click "share". After that, the folder will again become available in Windows Explorer 7.

How to password-protect a folder using a bat script

This method, unlike the previous ones, is the most insecure, as it uses the usual hiding of folders in Windows 7. A user who knows how to enable showing hidden items will see this folder without any problems, so make sure this option is not enabled before using the script.

First, create a .txt document and copy the following code snippet into it:

cls
@ECHO OFF
title Folder Folder
if EXIST "Secretno" goto DOSTUP
if NOT EXIST Folder goto RASBLOK
ren Papka "Secret"
attrib +h +s "Secret"
echo Folder locked
goto end
:DOSTUP
echo Vvedite password, chtoby razblokirovat papku
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%== moi-parol goto PAROL
attrib -h -s "Secret"
ren "Secretno" Papka
echo Papka uspeshno razblokirovana
goto end
:PAROL
echo Nevernyj password
goto end
:RASBLOK
md folder
echo folder
goto end
:End

Then save it and . This is done through txt to bat. On this batch file is ready for use. The essence of this script is as follows:

1. The first time you click on it, a folder named "Papka" is created into which you copy the secret content.
2. On the second click, the "Secretno" folder is created, which is assigned the hidden attribute and disappears.
3. On the next clicks, you are asked to enter a password. In case of incorrect input, the script is closed, so run it again.
4. After entering the correct data, the folder will be visible and have a name, as in the first step.

If you want to change the password, then instead of MOI-PAROL, type your own in Latin characters.

On this we dismantled how to password protect a folder in windows 7. Using archivers and special programs, perhaps the most secure options, but no one is immune from deleting a file or forgetting a password. effective when you focus on inexperienced users PC. In addition, who bothers to open a batch file in a notepad and burn all the data.

If you have a need to protect certain personal data, you can, of course, set a password during the boot of the operating system or create a new one. account with corrected permissions. But often only a small part of your information needs protection. Therefore, many users are looking for answers to questions about how to password-protect a folder on a computer.

by the most the obvious way it will be easy to hide it, but this is not the best option. As soon as the function of displaying all hidden files, the folder will be seen immediately. So you should not do this if the safety of your files is really important to you.

Surprisingly, there is no way in Windows to set passwords for folders. Will have to use a third party software. It should be borne in mind that this approach will by no means protect folders, for example, from deletion or transfer, so be careful.

The most common options for setting a password are archiver programs, specially designed utilities and bat scripts. To learn more about how to password-protect a folder in Windows, let's take a look at the common features of each of these methods.

Initially, archivers were created in order to be able to pack one or several files into an archive, while being able to compress the total amount of information occupied. But, in addition, these programs can be used to set a password for the required data folder. Most suitable options there will be WinZip, WinRar, Hamster Free ZIP Archiver and 7-Zip.
Let's analyze setting a password in Windows using the Winrar program as an example:
1. Install Winrar program to your computer.
2. Use the right mouse button to open context menu the necessary pack and select the item "add to archive" in it.
3. Next, you will see the "name" and "archive options" window. By clicking through the various tabs, you can change the type of compression and many other options, but it's not worth wasting time on this, because we only need to set a password.
4. Find the "set password" button in the "advanced" tab
5. In the "enter password" window, you can enter it. It is recommended that you first click the “show password” checkbox so that you are sure that everything is correct. If you want the files to change their name after that, you can check the box "encrypt file names". Then click OK.
6. After these steps, the window will change its name to "archiving with a password." Click ok and you will get an archive that will require your password to open.
In turn, if you enter the wrong password, you will not get access to the files.

Utilities of this kind resort to using element encryption. Even if these programs are removed, the files will remain locked. In addition, you have the opportunity to set a password to enter directly into the programs themselves, further securing the data. Using Anvid applications Lock Folder or Flash Crypt, you can easily figure out how to password protect a folder.

Consider setting a password using Flash Crypt as an example:
1. Install Flash program Crypt to your computer.
2. On the required folder call the context menu, and select the "protectwithflashcrypt" item there.
3. In the window that appears, you need to enter your password twice, which must be at least 4 characters. Do not change the rest of the fields, then click "protect".
4. After the encryption process, the Flash Crypt icon will appear on the folder. When you enter correct password, the folder will be decrypted and you will have access to the data.

Setting a password using a bat script

This method is the most insecure, as it simply uses the simple hiding of folders in Windows. A user who understands how to enable viewing hidden data will easily gain access to information. So that this option suitable only for those who are confident in the inexperience of someone who can search for hidden folders.

To start the encryption process, create a file in notepad and copy the script there:
:label
cls
set /p disk_flash="Vvesti buky flash drive: "
cd /D %disk_flash%:
if %errorlevel%==1 goto label
cls
cd /D %disk_flash%:
del *.lnk /q /f
attrib -s -h -r autorun.*
delautorun.* /F
attrib -h -r -s -a /D /S
rd RECYCLER /q /s
explorer.exe %disk_flash%:

After that, you need to change the file type, for this change the extension from txt to bat, after which it will be ready for use. The essence of the script is as follows:

• During the first click, a folder named "Papka" will be created, where you will need to copy all the necessary data.
• After the second click, the "Secretno" folder will be distributed, which will immediately be hidden.
• The next time you press, you will be prompted to enter a password. If you enter incorrectly, the script closes, and you need to enter it again.
• After entering the correct password, the folder will become visible and will have the name, as in the first paragraph.

Also keep in mind that you can use any password you want instead of MOI-PAROL.
Thus, you have become aware of the main ways to set passwords. Now it remains only to choose the right one. by the most safe options there will be archiving programs or special applications.

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Windows does not have built-in functions for this task. But you can use free programs from third party developers. Consider as an example the 7-Zip archiver and the utility Anvid Seal Folder.

With 7-Zip

7-Zip archives a folder, encrypts its contents and locks access to it with a password. You are probably already using this program. If not, then download 7-Zip from the official website. If you prefer another archiver, then, most likely, you can use it to put a password on the folder in the same way.

After installing the archiver, right-click on desired folder and choose 7-Zip → Add to Archive.

In the window that appears, under the "Encryption" item, enter the password and repeat the combination. Check "Encrypt filenames" and click OK.

After that, the program will create a copy of the folder in the form of an encrypted archive, the contents of which can be viewed only after entering the password. Delete the original unprotected folder.

In exactly the same way, 7-Zip allows you to password protect any selected file.

Using Anvide Seal Folder

If you don't feel like messing around with the archive, you can set a password directly on the folder itself using the Anvide Seal Folder program. This utility encrypts the contents of selected folders and hides them from prying eyes. Containers protected in this way can only be opened through the Anvide Seal Folder interface after entering the password.

The program is very easy to use. By clicking on the plus, you can select the path to the desired folder or to several containers in turn. After that, a list of added folders will appear in the main menu of Anvide Seal Folder. To put a password on one or more of them, just select them, click on the lock and follow the prompts of the utility. You can also set a password for Anvide Seal Folder.

On macOS, you can do without third party programs. The system allows you to create a so-called folder image, which is its encrypted copy. All files saved inside this image are password protected.

To create such an image, open " disk utility” (“Programs” → “Utilities” → “Disk Utility”).

Click "File" → " New look» → «Image from folder» and specify the path to the folder you want to protect.

Enter a name for the image and indicate the location on your computer where you will store it, as well as a password to access its contents. Select 128 or 256 bits as encryption, and in the "Image Format" item - "read / write". After save the changes.

Open the created image, enter the password and make sure that all files are in place.

Delete original folder. Now you can use it in a secure way instead.