Protect folders with password: Windows

If you want to protect a folder in Windows because you want to specially back up the data in it, there is no option to do so by default. However, you have the option to pack the data into an archive that you secure with a password. To do this, use WinRAR.

How to password protect a folder in Windows?

There are two programs you can use to compress a folder and then password protect it: WinRAR and 7zip.

1. Download WinRAR and install the program.
2. Now right-click on the folder you want to encrypt and select "Add to Archive."
3. A window will open where you can make additional settings. Click the "Set password" button at the bottom right.
4. In the window that opens, you can now set a password. It is best to choose a secure, randomly created password that is not so easy to guess.
5. Once you are satisfied with the password, simply confirm everything with "OK".
6. For 7Zip, proceed in the same way.

You can also use WinRAR on the Mac to create an archive and back it up. Don't worry about the WinRAR license, the trial license never expires.