How to lock a folder in external hard drive for Windows PC?

You can try the FileGuard app to lock a folder  in an external hard drive on Windows 11/10/7.

Use Windows Built-in File Permissions (Basic Security) to lock a folder in external hard drive. It uses NTFS permissions to control who can access the folder. However, it has limitations:

• Only works if the external drive is formatted as NTFS.
• Doesn’t encrypt files (less secure than BitLocker).
• Permissions can be bypassed if someone takes ownership or accesses the drive from another OS.

Steps:

1. Right-click the folder > Properties > Security tab.

2. Click Edit > Deny permissions for all users except yourself.

3. Click Apply > OK. This will lock a folder in external hard drive on any Windows OS.

Limitations & Workarounds

1. Doesn’t work on FAT32/exFAT: Must use NTFS.

2. Bypassable via Linux/macOS: NTFS permissions don’t apply outside Windows.

3. "Access Denied" even for you? Fix: Take ownership via:

Right-click folder > Properties > Security > Advanced.

Next to Owner, click Change > Type your username > OK.

Check "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects" > Apply.

Using BitLocker to lock a folder in external hard drive has several disadvantages to consider:

• BitLocker typically encrypts entire drives or partitions, not individual folders. To secure a specific folder, you'd need to encrypt the entire external drive, which might be inconvenient if you want to access other data freely.
• BitLocker is primarily supported on Windows Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you connect the drive to a different OS (like macOS or Linux), the encrypted data may be inaccessible without additional tools or software.
• Since BitLocker encrypts entire drives or partitions, you can't encrypt individual folders or files selectively. This may lead to unnecessary encryption of data that doesn't require protection. Encrypting and decrypting the drive each time you connect it can be cumbersome, especially if you need frequent access.

While BitLocker offers strong encryption, its limitations in granular folder encryption, compatibility, and recovery make it less ideal for protecting individual folders on external drives. For folder-specific encryption, consider dedicated encryption tools (like VaraCrypt) that allow lock a folders in external hard drive.

A simple method is to hide a folder on your external hard drive using Windows' built-in features. While this doesn’t provide strong security (since hidden folders can be easily revealed), it’s a quick way to make files less visible to casual users.

This method makes the folder super hidden (system-protected), so it won’t appear even if "Show hidden files" is enabled.

Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Type the following command (replace X:\FolderName with your actual folder path):

attrib +h +s "X:\FolderName"

Example: If your folder is Secret on drive E:, use:

attrib +h +s "E:\Secret"

Press Enter. The folder will now be hidden and system-protected. 

How to Access the Hidden Folder

1. In the View tab, click Options > Change folder and search options.
2. Go to the View tab > Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files".
3. Click Yes on the warning > OK.

When you locking a folder in external hard drive, it's important to avoid certain errors that can lead to data loss, access issues, or security vulnerabilities. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

1. Using unreliable or pirated encryption tools that may corrupt data or compromise security. Use reputable, well-reviewed software or built-in OS features.
2. Locking a folder in external hard drive without creating a backup. If something goes wrong (software crash, corruption), you risk losing access to data. Always back up important data before applying security measures.
3. Setting a password or key and then losing it, which can make data irrecoverable. Use strong but memorable passwords, and store recovery keys securely.
4. Setting overly restrictive permissions that prevent you from accessing your own data later. Review permissions carefully and test access after setting locks.
5. Encrypting folders without understanding the process or implications, leading to potential data loss.
6. Use encryption methods you understand and ensure you know how to decrypt or unlock files later.
7. Locking a folders in external hard drive with software or methods incompatible with your operating system or future devices.
8. Ensure the locking method is compatible with all systems you plan to use.

Locking a folder in external hard drive in Windows can be achieved through several methods, depending on your security needs. Here are some common options:

Using Built-in Windows Encryption (BitLocker)
If your external drive is formatted with NTFS and your Windows edition supports BitLocker (Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education):

• Encrypt the entire drive:
• Connect your external hard drive.
• Right-click the drive in File Explorer and select Turn on BitLocker.
• Follow the prompts to set a password or smart card.
• Once encrypted, access to the drive requires the password.

Note: This encrypts the entire drive, not just a single folder.

2. To lock a folder in external hard drive. You can compress the folder into a password-protected ZIP archive:

• Right-click the folder.
• Select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
• Use a ZIP utility (like 7-Zip or WinRAR) to add a password:
  For 7-Zip:
  - Right-click the ZIP file > 7-Zip > Add to archive.
  - Under Encryption, set your password.
  - Choose AES-256 for better security.
  - To access, extract the archive with the password.