How to Password Protect Files and Folders on Windows 10 & 11

In today’s digital age, keeping your private files and folders protected on your PC is more important than ever. Whether it’s confidential work documents, personal photos, or anything you don’t want prying eyes to see — adding password protection is a smart move.

Unfortunately, Windows 10 and Windows 11 don’t provide a built-in, user-friendly way to password protect folders like many users expect. But don’t worry — in this article, we’ll show you two easy and reliable methods to secure your folders with a password:

1. Using a manual batch file trick with built-in Windows tools.
   
2. Using professional software like Folder Lock for maximum protection and convenience.
   

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Why Password Protecting Your Folders Matters

When you share your PC with others, or even when it’s just physically accessible to someone else, your personal files could be easily exposed. Password protection adds a simple layer of security, giving you peace of mind that your files are only accessible by you.

While encryption tools exist, many of them are overcomplicated or too advanced for everyday users. That’s why we’re focusing on practical, no-nonsense solutions in this guide.

Method 1: Lock a Folder Using a Batch File Script (Free Manual Option)

This method uses a small script to hide and password-protect a folder. It works without any external software.

Steps:

1. Create a New Folder where you’ll store the private files (e.g., SecureFiles).
   
2. Inside the folder, right-click and choose:
   
   • New > Text Document
     
   • Open the new .txt file.
     
3. Paste the following code into the text file:
   

cls

@ECHO OFF

title Folder Locker

if EXIST “Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}” goto UNLOCK

if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER

:CONFIRM

echo Are you sure you want to lock the folder? (Y/N)

set/p “cho=>”

if %cho%==Y goto LOCK

if %cho%==y goto LOCK

if %cho%==N goto END

if %cho%==n goto END

echo Invalid choice.

goto CONFIRM

:LOCK

ren Private “Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}”

attrib +h +s “Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}”

echo Folder locked

goto End

:UNLOCK

echo Enter password to unlock folder:

set/p “pass=>”

if NOT %pass%==YOUR_PASSWORD_HERE goto FAIL

attrib -h -s “Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}”

ren “Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}” Private

echo Folder Unlocked successfully

goto End

:FAIL

echo Invalid password

goto end

:MDLOCKER

md Private

echo Private folder created successfully

goto End

:End

4. Replace YOUR_PASSWORD_HERE with your desired password (e.g., 12345).
   
5. Click File > Save As, then:
   
   • Save as: Locker.bat
     
   • Save as type: All Files
     
6. Double-click the batch file to run it.
   
   • The first time, it will create a folder named Private.
     
   • Move your sensitive files into this Private folder.
     
7. Run the Locker.bat file again and press Y to lock it.
   
   • The Private folder will disappear.
     
   • Run Locker.bat again, enter your password to unlock it.
     

Limitations:

• This is not true encryption, just basic folder hiding.
  
• If someone edits the .bat file, they can see or change your password.
  
• Good for casual users, but not ideal for sensitive data.
  

Method 2: Use Folder Lock – A Safer & Simpler Way to Password Protect Folders

If you’re looking for a stronger, faster, and easier way to protect your files, we highly recommend using Folder Lock — a professional-grade tool that lets you password-protect, hide, encrypt, and back up your files securely.

What is Folder Lock?

Folder Lock is an advanced security tool that allows you to:

• Lock files/folders with a password instantly
  
• Create secure encrypted lockers
  
• Set access restrictions on USBs and external drives
  
• Shred files permanently
  
• Backup encrypted files in real-time
  
• Hide its own presence with Stealth Mode
  

It’s fully compatible with Windows 10 and 11, and perfect for both beginners and advanced users.

How to Password Protect Files & Folders Using Folder Lock

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download and Install Folder Lock
   
   • Visit: https://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock
     
   • Install it on your Windows 10/11 system.
     
2. Set Up Your Master Password

• The first time you open it, you’ll be prompted to create a master password.
  
• This will be used to access the app in the future.
  

3. Create a Secure Locker
   
   • Inside the app, click on “Lock Folders”
     
   • Click Add Folder and select any folder you want to protect.
     
   • Once added, click Lock — and that’s it!
     
   • Now, anyone trying to open the folder will need your password.
     
4. Stealth Mode (Optional)
   
   • You can enable “Stealth Mode” to hide Folder Lock from your desktop and task manager — making it invisible to other users.
     
5. Protect External Drives or USBs
   
   • Go to the Encrypt USB/CD section.
     
   • Password-protect your portable drives for secure use on any PC.
     
6. Permanently Shred Files (Optional)
   
   • Want to make sure deleted files can’t be recovered?
     
   • Use the Shred Files option to permanently erase data.
     

Why Folder Lock is the Best Option for Windows 10 & 11 User

Feature	Folder Lock	Manual Script
Real Password Protection	✅	❌
AES-256 Encryption	✅	❌
Protect USB Drives	✅	❌
File Shredding	✅	❌
Stealth Mode	✅	❌
Encrypted Cloud Backup	✅	❌
User-Friendly Interface	✅

Final Thoughts: Which Method Should You Use?

• If you’re just hiding non-sensitive files and want a quick, free DIY method, go for the batch file trick.
  
• But if you’re serious about protecting confidential documents, personal data, or professional content — Folder Lock is hands-down the better choice.
  

With its combination of encryption, real password protection, and ease of use, Folder Lock takes the hassle out of securing your files — even if you’re not tech-savvy.