What's the easiest way to password protect a folder in Windows 11?


Florio

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I'd like to password protect a folder, preferably without having to use third-party software. I've already tried going to Properties, Advanced etc. but the 'Encrypt contents to secure data' option is always greyed out.
Florio
 
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23H2

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preferably without having to use third-party software
Not possible without 3rd party software, there is plenty of commercial programs that "lock" a folder in fancy and easy to use ways.
There are also free or open source programs which do similar task but not in fancy ways.

The only way without software I think of is to create new user account and then their user profile is protected with password.

the 'Encrypt contents to secure data' option is always greyed out.
This method won't lock the folder while you're signed in, it encrypts data only while you're signed out.

edit:
If you use OneDrive, OneDrive offers "personal vault" although I don't know how it works.
 

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If you use OneDrive, OneDrive offers "personal vault" although I don't know how it works.

 

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Thanks zebal,

I somehow did manage to password protect a folder a few years ago (can't remember whether it was with Windows 10 or 11), and that particular folder is still protected, and so it IS possibile without third party software. I'm wondering if it was protected using Office ...
 

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@Florio
How is that folder protected? are you sure it's not rar or zip file?
What happens when you attempt to open it? can you take a screenshot of the message saying it's protected.
 

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    Acer V226HQL
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    SSD 500 GB Crucial MX500 / HDD 1 TB TOSHIBA DT01ACA100
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    ATX, details unknown
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    details unknown
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    Logitech G703
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    Microphone: Trust MICO, model 23790
My mistake - it's actually a Word file and not a folder, and it's password protected with Office
 

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You could create a new user with admin rights and then go to that folder's properties and remove permissions for any other users.
When any user tried to access that folder, he would need to give the new user's password.


I have two accounts on my laptops, one is a User account and one is an Admin account. When I am signed in as the User I can not access any of the Admin's folders without his password. This is not encryption but it might achieve what you want.
 
Last edited:

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This guide discusses about how you can encrypt files and folders in Windows using EncryptOnClick program.
 

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This guide discusses about how you can encrypt files and folders in Windows using EncryptOnClick program.
OP said he does not want to use a third-party app!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.2894
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
What you can do if using Pro is put folder in a smallish partition, then bitlock the partition, so you need a password to access it.
 

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    Macrium Reflect Home V8
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    Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
Thanks to everyone who replied. I originally said I'd prefer not to have to use third-party software because I was convinced it was possibile to password protect a folder just using Windows 11. I've now managed to accomplish this using Iobit Protected Folder.
Florio
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    Mouse
    HP wireless rechargeable
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Iobit Malware Fighter (with BitDefender engine)
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