How do I password protect a usb drive without bitlocker?

Recently, I encountered the same problem as you. I stored important files in the USB drive and didn't want others to see them. My system is also Windows 10 Home Edition, which does not support BitLocker, so I studied several ways to encrypt USB drive without BitLocker and shared them with you!

Method 1: Use the system's built-in "Encrypting File System (EFS)"
Insert the USB drive into the computer and find the file or folder you want to encrypt.

1. Right-click the file or folder and select "Properties".
2. In the "General" tab, click "Advanced".
3. Check "Encrypt contents to protect data" and click "OK".
4. The system will prompt you whether to encrypt the parent folder. Just select "Encrypt files and their parent folders".
5. After completion, the file will turn green, indicating that it has been encrypted.

Note: This method requires your Windows account to have an encryption certificate. If you change the computer or reinstall the system, remember to back up the certificate, otherwise the file cannot be opened.

Method 2: Encrypt with ZIP (although cumbersome but effective)
You mentioned that using ZIP encryption is a bit cumbersome, but it can actually be optimized:

1. Put all important files in a folder.
2. Right-click the folder and select "Send to" -> "Compressed (zipped) folder".
3. Double-click to open the compressed package, click "File" -> "Add password".
4. Set a strong password and save it after completion.
5. Delete the original file and leave only the encrypted ZIP file in the USB drive.

Optimization point: You can change the ZIP file to a strange name, such as "backup_temp", so that others can't guess what's inside even if they see the file name, this is not a good option to password protected USB drive without bitlocker on Windows.