How to Password Protect a Folder in Windows 11 Home?

Copper Contributor

I am struggling to password protect a folder in Windows 11 Home computer and need some guidance. I want to ensure that nobody can access the contents of this particular folder without entering the correct password. I have tried various methods such as creating a ZIP file with a password, using third-party software, and even changing the folder properties to make it hidden. However, none of these methods seem to work as I still noticed unauthorized access to the folder.

Is there any way to set up a secure password to protect data within a folder in Windows 11 Home? Thank you in advance for your help!

8 Replies
There is no direct out of the box way to do it in Windows and you will need third-party solutions.
You mentioned about using Zip, did you tried add password? If yes, how it is accessible without password?
In this case, it is better to look for third-party products.
Meanwhile, you may open start and search for feedback and open the Feedback Hub app and file a suggestion.

@Hamey660 

You can try this method. I use it all the time. It's fast and secure. https://youtu.be/AWLQ60ojTUE

Easily lock or password-protect ANY folder on your Windows 11 PC running the Home edition. #windows11 #howto #glitchguru #folder Download 7-ZIP: https://www.7-zip.org/download.html If you find this video useful, please LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE to GlitchGuru. lock folders password protect folder ...

Setting a folder password on Windows 11 Home is indeed troublesome, but I recommend you try Folder Breaker. It is easy to use and can effectively protect your folders. You need to enter a password every time you access it.

 

I used this tutorial, and it did the trick for me.

https://www.engadgot.com/password-protect-a-folder

 

folder_locker_2.png

I have used it and I think it is quite reliable. If you need extra security, you can also consider encrypting important files. I hope this helps you!

 

To password protect a folder on Windows 11, you can use the built-in feature called "File History".

 

  1. Right-click on the folder you want to password protect and select "Properties".
  2. Click on the "Edit" button next to "Permissions".
  3. In the "Permissions" window, click on the "Add" button.
  4. Select "Create a new user or group" and enter a name for the new user (e.g., "Folder Protection").
  5. Click "OK" to create the new user.
  6. Select the new user and check the box next to "Read/Write" under the "Permissions" section.
    Click "Apply" and then "OK".

@Hamey660  BitLocker,  the built-in encryption feature that comes with Windows , that can be used to password protect a folder in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

 

Step 1: Right-click the drive or folder you want to encrypt and select Properties.

 

Step 2: Navigate to the General tab and click Advanced.

Step 3: Check the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data. Click Apply and then OK.

 

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the encryption process. You will be prompted to save a recovery key in case you forget the password.

 

Note: BitLocker can be only used to password protect a partition or drive!

@Giovanninim Your instructions are incorrect. there isn't a way to add a new user through your instructions

Why would you post a resolution without reading the problem. Like you said, BitLocker is for partitions and drives, not folders... and we want to password protect a shared folder... smh. Let's try again