Nowadays, password security is crucial for you. Encrypting your files and folders with a password is essential to protect your privacy whether or not you share your computer with others. For more protection, do you wish to password-protect a folder in Windows 10? Yes, however you shouldn’t use third-party software to password-protect a folder. Then, there is absolutely no issue.
Amazingly, Windows 10 provides three software-free alternatives for password-secure folder without software in windows 11. Can’t wait to learn how to password-protect a folder in Windows 10 without the need for additional software? Let’s explore this guide together.
Method 1: Use a.bat file to password-protect a folder without the need for software.
Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe) can be used to execute commands through the usage of a Batch file, also known as a.bat file. After that, numerous plain-text line instructions are included in this file to carry out various tasks, such as initiating a program or executing maintenance utilities.
Microsoft Windows users use these files to make doing everyday tasks easier. Now, create BAT files here with Notepad or Wordpad to add a set of instructions that will protect your files with a password without using software.
It may seem like a big undertaking right now. In the other side, order to password-protect folders using.bat files on Windows 10, let’s look at these easy steps:
Step1: First, open a simple text editor on your PC. For this tutorial, we will be using Notepad.
Step 2: All that’s left to do is copy and paste the command lines that are listed below into Notepad. One more thing, please enter your password here where it asks for it:
- @ECHO OFF
- title Folder Locker
- if EXIST “Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}” goto UNLOCK
- if NOT EXIST Locker goto MDLOCKER
Step 3: After that, you need to save the document into a.bat file and save it to the folder locker location.
Step 4: Then, Locate and open the folder locker. By doing this, a Notepad file will reopen for you. To password secure a folder, all you need to do is specify its path and hit the Y key to validate. And that’s it.
Method 2: Using Properties to Enable Password Protection
Encrypting File System (EFS), a feature of Windows 10 that lets you password-protect folders without requiring a password, is useful if you find creating.bat scripts perplexing. Now, using a password to safeguard files is quite easy and goes like this:
Step 1: Locate the folder you wish to keep private, then choose Properties from the context menu by right-clicking on it.
Step 2: Choose “General tab > Advanced > Check the Encrypt contents to secure data checkbox > OK”.
Step 3: After, press the Apply button, choose between applying the changes to this folder alone and applying the changes to this folder, its subfolders, and its files. Next, press the OK button.
Step 4: A prompt to backup the encryption key and password protection will appear if you are using EFS to protect the folder for the first time. Thus, choose the Backup immediately (strongly advised) option.
Step 5: Press the Next > button. Next, you can secure the protected folder’s private key with a password.
Step 6: Then, click the Browser button to name the file you wish to export and choose where to backup the file.
Step 7: To finish exporting your certificates, click the Next button.
Method 3: Use BitLocker to Password-Secure Folder Without Software in Windows 11
Another built-in method for password-protecting files or folders in Windows 10 without the need for additional software is the BitLocker Encryption Program. On the other hand, this feature is supported by TPM chip-compatible Professional and Enterprise Windows versions.
However, you must first construct a VHD file container and then store the file you wish to password-protect in order to use BitLocker to password-protect folders on Windows 10. Now, this is how this procedure operates:
Step 1: Choose Action > Create VHD under Disk Management.
Step 2: Type the BitLocker Volume’s name in the Browse area and press the Save button.
Step 3: Next, enter the virtual disk’s size or select “Dynamically expanding” to have the disk size increased automatically, and then click “OK.”
Step 4: Right-click the newly created disk and select Initialize Disk from the context menu.
Step 5: Click OK to keep the default settings.
Step 6: After, the startup procedure is complete, right-click on the unallocated space to create a New Simple Volume.
Step 7: To format the drive and add a new volume, select Next.
Step 8: Next, go to the Control Panel and enable BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Step 9: After that, click on the new volume to enable BitLocker encryption.
Step 10: To unlock the drive option, click Use a password. Then, create a strong password.
Step 11: Click “Next” after choosing a location to store the recovery key.
Step 12: To Secure Folder Without Software in Windows 11, simply click “Start encrypting” and wait a few minutes.
Bonus Tip: Use Software to Password-Protect Folders
On Windows 10, it is possible to password-protect files or folders without the need for additional applications. However, as you have already seen, using BLR BitLocker data recovery and.bat files to password-protect files is highly technical. Moreover, EFS stores encryption certificates locally on your computer, making them accessible.
Thus, you must use a potent program named BLR if you want a reliable and impartial way to protect your files or folders.
Then, this dynamic program allows you to encrypt, lock, and conceal files or folders on both internal and external disks. Because, you may password-protect files on your USB drive, LAN network, or local device with BLR LockMyFile.
Extra Features of BLR LockMyFile
- Even in Windows Safe Mode, you can hide your files, folders, and even the entire hard drive.
- It has the ability to password-protect any kind of folder or file.
- Now, make sure that without the password, no one can alter your data.
- Monitor changes made to your disk, files, or folders.
- Encrypt directories or files to GFL or EXE format such that password-protected access is required.
- So, your password can be easily recovered using the pre-established email.
- Without a password, no one can remove the software.
- After that, when five incorrect password attempts are made, the application will immediately lock the file.
- Crucially, BLR LockMyFile makes it quite easy to password-protect files on Windows 10.
Step 1: To register, open BLR LockMyFile, input a working email address, and choose a password.
Step 2: Under Local Disk, select Protecting File. From the right panel. Then, select Protect File(s), Folder, or Drive.
Step 3: Verify and check the files, drives, and folders you wish to keep private.
In conclusion
That’s it, folks! On Windows 10, you may now password-protect files and folders with or without applications. However, although password protection without a password may be free, it is less compatible, difficult to use, and secure. In addition, using manual password security is more laborious than using reliable and easy-to-use software like BLR LockMyFile.
Thus, utilize BLR LockMyFile if you wish to give your files or folders stronger password protection. However, you may schedule the free demo now to try the program out!
Also Read : Stop Automatic BitLocker Device Encryption During Installation in Windows 11
