Top Programs for Password Protecting your Folders in Windows
A feature that Windows surprisingly has yet to offer, is the ability to password protect certain files or folders on your hard drive. Sure, you could encrypt them, but some would prefer to just have a simple memorable password to keep unwanted users out of a folder on a shared computer. Fortunately, there's a handful of different programs that will take care of this for you, and they are all very easy to use.
Folder Password Protect - on Download3k
First, we have Folder Password Protect which is available as a free trial, and $39.95 for the full version. This program is incredibly easy to use, and compatible with both NTFS and FAT32 file systems. Once you've installed the program, enable it to password protect folders. Then, you can simply go to any file or folder on your hard drive, right-click it, and click password protect to set up a new security password for it.
Folder Password Expert USB - on Download3k
Just like the previous program, this one is available for a free trial, and also $39.95 for the full version. This program is a little more versatile, and slightly more complicated to use. However, you can easily lock your USB or CD drives with this program, as well as any files or folders on your hard drive. There is also a convenient file browser within the main program window, which allows you to check/uncheck protected files/folders.
Instant Lock Hide n Guard 3.2 - on Download3k
Although it isn't the prettiest program, or the easiest to use on this list, it is the most cost effective -- completely free! Simply put, Instant Lock Hide n Guard just isn't as convenient or compatible as the other software solutions on this left, but the nice thing is you can use the full version at no cost. If you don't like it, you haven't lost anything, and can still try some of these other programs.
Folder Lock Lite - on Download3k
This program doesn't allow you to set certain passwords for specific files or folders, but it does allow you to create a list of "locked" ones. Anything that is in the locked list, can instantly be hidden from view with the click of a button. Simply navigate to the Folder Lock program and enter the master password, and all listed items will disappear until you re-enter the master password and unlock them. Folder Lock Lite is free to try, and $25 to buy.
Folder Guard - on Download3k
Last but not least there's Folder Guard, which is a very simple utility to password protect just about anything on your PC -- files, folders, programs, and even windows utilities like Control Panel. You can either designate a specific password for each object, or an overall master password that unlocks/locks everything that you have selected to protect. Also, you can use this to password protect USB and other removeable drives. Try the Demo of Folder Guard for free, or get the full version for $39.95.
