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

Florio · Dec 23, 2023

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

zebal · Dec 23, 2023

Florio said:
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.

Florio said:
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.

z3r010 · Dec 23, 2023

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

Enable or Disable OneDrive Personal Vault Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable Personal Vault for your OneDrive account. Personal Vault is a protected area in OneDrive where you can store your most important or sensitive files and photos without sacrificing the convenience of anywhere access. Your locked files in...

www.elevenforum.com

Lock and Unlock OneDrive Personal Vault in Windows 11 and Windows 10 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to manually lock and unlock your OneDrive Personal Vault for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can use OneDrive to sync files and folders between your computer and the cloud, so you can get to your files from anywhere - your computer, your mobile...

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Florio · Dec 23, 2023

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 ...

zebal · Dec 23, 2023

@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.

Florio · Dec 23, 2023

My mistake - it's actually a Word file and not a folder, and it's password protected with Office

kelper · Dec 23, 2023

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.

FreeBooter · Dec 23, 2023

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

kelper · Dec 23, 2023

FreeBooter said:
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!

FreeBooter · Dec 23, 2023

kelper said:
OP said he does not want to use a third-party app!

There is no way to do it without third-party app.

cereberus · Dec 23, 2023

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.

Florio · Dec 23, 2023

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