Security of the files and documents is important for everyone. You should always password protect your files as someone can modify or delete your files and there is a threat of hacking too. You can also accidentally delete the files by yourself too. You just need to password protect your files so how to Password Protect File on Windows.
The password is a protection to lock your files and folders it increases your digital privacy and security. You will always need a password to unlock any file so that no one can access them without knowing the password. It will also help to protect your data and other sensitive information.
To password protect files on Windows you can do encryption from your system only and also can use third-party password protection software to protect your files from deleting or hacking.
Passwords are case-sensitive and can be 15 characters long. If you lose or forget your password it’s nearly impossible to recover it, so be sure to keep a copy of the password in a safe place or create a password that you can easily remember. . So, without any further ado, let’s get started on How To Password Protect File on Windows!
Method 1: Password Protect File On Windows by Encryption
To use encryption to password protect a file or folder > Select the folder or file you want to encrypt > Right Click on the item > Click on Properties > Click Advanced > Check Encrypt contents to Secure Data > Click Ok >Click on Apply > Opt for Full-Folder encryption
The first method is to use encryption to password protect a file or folder. This uses a windows built-in folder encryption and can be done on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.
Step 1: Select the folder or file you want to encrypt
Step 2: Right Click on the item
Step 3: Click on Properties
Step 4: Click Advanced
Step 5: Check Encrypt contents to Secure Data
Also Read: How To See Wi-Fi Password In Windows 11?
Step 6: Click Ok
Step 7: Click on Apply
Step 8: Opt for Full-Folder encryption
Method 2: Password Protect File On Windows by Password Protection Software
To Password Protection Software of 7-Zip > Download 7-Zip > Install it > In the windows directory select 7-Zip File Manager > Choose Compression options – Enter the name of a file, and set a strong password for encryption, and decrypting. Set your compression level to HIGH and your compression method to AES-256 > Click Ok
Just like windows’ Encryption, there is Password Protection Software too they offer more security than windows’ built-in security features, and they are highly recommended if you have sensitive data on your system. Below we have explained in detail how to Password Protect File On Windows.
Some of the Password Protection Software are – Folder Lock, My Lock Box, 7-Zip, VeraCrypt, Folder Guard, Protected Folder, and AxCrypt. Although they all work like same let’s check the steps of 7-Zip.
Step 1: Download 7-Zip
Step 2: Install it
Step 3: In the windows directory select 7-Zip File Manager
Step 4: Select the folder you want to Protect
Step 5: Choose Compression options – Enter the name of a file, and set a strong password for encryption, and decrypting. Set your compression level to HIGH and your compression method to AES-256.
Step 6: Click Ok
Now your file or folder is compressed, encrypted, and protected. Now you have to decompress it.
To decompress files in 7-Zip > From a 7-Zip panel – select the folder you want to open > Click on the Extract Button > Enter the password in the dialogue box > Enter Password > Click OK >The file or Folder will Decompress and open for you
Step 1: From a 7-Zip panel – select the folder you want to open
Step 2: Click on the Extract Button
Step 3: Enter the password in the dialogue box
Step 4: Enter Password
Step 5: Click OK
Step 6: The file or Folder will Decompress and open for you
To Sum Up
Password protection is always important for all the files on your system. It provides security and files remain safe. The protection methods listed above will protect your file from the majority of issues. It is always recommended to back up your data or make a copy of all important documents.
Data is the most important part, containing sensitive, personal, financial, and work documents. So, you should always password protect your files.
What if someone uses your Windows laptop or it gets stolen, how can you be sure that no one is looking into your Data.
So in that case you should always password protect your files. You can assign a password to any of your documents or file. This was all about How To Password Protect File On Windows, tell us in the comments if this article was helpful!
Also Read: How To Download New Wallpapers On Windows 11? A Detailed Guide!
FAQ’s
Q. Can You Put A Password Lock On A File?
Yes, you can put a Password Lock on a File by Encryption method just Select the folder or file you want to encrypt and then Right Click on the item. Now Click on Properties, Click Advanced, and Check Encrypt contents to Secure Data. Now Click Ok the Click on Apply and Opt for Full-Folder encryption.
Q. Can You Put A Password On A File Folder In Windows 10?
Yes, you can put a Password on a file folder in Windows 10 by Encrypt. First right-click on the item. Now Click on Properties then click Advanced from the General tab. Check the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data.
Q. Why Can’t I Put A Password On A Folder?
You can’t put a password on a folder because your account is already protected from unauthorized access with a password and even encryption. You can use third-party software to encrypt your entire device.
Q. How Do I Password Protect A File In Windows 11?
To password protect a file in Windows 11 follow the steps below:
Step 1: Select the folder or file you want to encrypt
Step 2: Right Click on the item
Step 3: Click on Properties
Step 4: Click Advanced
Step 5: Check Encrypt contents to Secure Data
Step 6: Click Ok
Step 7: Click on Apply
Step 8: Opt for Full-Folder encryption
