How to Password Protect a Folder (2024)

If you share a computer with others, you might have a need to keep some documents confidential. There are several ways to do this, depending on which version of Microsoft® Windows® your computer is running. If you're unsure which Windows system your computer is running, read here for more information.

You should always set up an account for each person who shares a single computer. This helps everyone access the programs and data that they want.

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to password-protect. Right-click on the folder.
   
2. Select Properties from the menu. On the dialog that appears, click the General tab.
3. Click the Advanced button, then select Encrypt content to secure data. Click OK. Your Windows username and password will be used.
4. Double-click the folder to ensure you can access it.

Password-protecting a zipped file is a good solution if your version of Windows does not support password protection. If you put the files you'd like to protect in a zip file, you can then apply a password.

1. In Windows Explorer, highlight and right-click on the files you would like to put into a zipped file.
2. Select Send to, then Zip folder (compressed). Follow the prompts to name and save the folder.
3. Double-click the zipped file, then select File and Add Password.
4. Fill out the requested information, then click Apply.

1. Right-click on the file or folder that you want to hide. Select Properties.
2. Click the General tab, under the Attributes section, check Hidden.
3. Click Apply.

If the file or folder remains visible in the directory, you will need to enable another setting.

1. Open Windows Explorer and click the File tab.
   
2. Select Options, then select the View tab.
3. Select Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives under the heading Hidden files and folders.

To see your hidden files or folder, repeat the instructions above, but click Show hidden files, folders, and drives.