Folder Lock comes with a powerful file shredder and a cloud-based backup solution as well. The demo is free, while the full-version is $39.95. Knowing how to lock a folder in Windows costs a bit of money, but the functionality and customization makes it worth it. Now you know how to password protect a folder.
You can also use disk-encryption software for more robust security than just a password. These tools block even the most advanced brute-force attacks, which try to crack passwords and encryption keys using different combinations.
This kind of full-encryption software adds an extra layer of security by incorporating both password and encryption protection to your files, meaning that the actual contents of files and folders are encrypted and protected by much stronger and more complex decryption keys.
With support for AES, Serpent, and TwoFish keys, VeraCrypt is a free, cross-platform data security tool that can encrypt files very effectively. VeraCrypt comes with full disk encryption but can encrypt at the volume (folder) level as well. Users can decide whether they want specific folders encrypted or entire systems.
Password protection is like locking something in a safe, like a highly sensitive document. Encryption is like rearranging all the letters in a document so that they can only be placed back in the correct order if you have a special decoder key.
You should password protect files because if you share your computer with others, someone might accidentally delete or modify an important file, or even share a private folder. You might even make the critical error yourself, accidentally sending sensitive information to the wrong person.
And you can always use Windows to encrypt an entire folder, as described above. Knowing how to password protect a folder and how to encrypt your files is key to making sure your content is locked up tight.
Using password protection to lock files and folders increases your digital privacy and security, because it means you need to enter a password to open your documents. When you password lock your files, no one can access them without knowing the password, which helps protect your personal information and data.
VeraCrypt is a versatile folder locking tool that can store data securely in a number of formats and across multiple platforms. As well as individual folders and files, this free software can password lock an entire hard drive with full disk encryption.
It is a free tool to delete files blocked by something you do not know. LockHunter is useful for fighting against malware, and other programs that are blocking files without a reason. Unlike other similar tools it deletes files into the recycle bin so you may restore them if deleted by mistake.
EMCO UnlockIT can identify the process that has locked the file as well as unlock the file so that you may delete/edit/move it. The program is completely free, though the newer version is a bit slower and more bloated than the original (which had a plain, unskinned GUI, but loaded pretty much instantaneously and without an annoying splash screen). Also, the original version used to pop up automatically whenever the error you mentioned is triggered, allowing you to instantly unlock the file and perform the operation you were attempting.
Still, UnlockIT is an incredibly useful program that provides a basic functionality that is critically missing from Windows. It's among the standard toolkit of utilities that I install on all Windows computers I work on.
Starting from version 1.10, you can launchOpenedFilesView directly from Windows Explorer, and view only thehandles of the file or folder that you want to inspect. In order toenable this feature, check the 'Enable Explorer Context Menu' underthe Options menu. After you enable this feature, you can right-clickon any file or folder on Windows Explorer, and choose the'OpenedFilesView' item from the menu. If you run the OpenedFilesViewoption for a folder, it'll display all opened files inside thatfolder. If you run the OpenedFilesView option for a file, it'lldisplay all opened handles for that file.
If you do not know the program the file it is using then you can go to My Computer; right click; select Manage. Under System Tools > Shared folders > Open Files, you should be able to see the user who has locked the file. You can close file from here and then you can perform the task of rename or delete the file. Hope this helps
I am not sure if anyone used Process Viewer (PVIEW.exe). I was having trouble finding out the process that locked my epmd.exe which i was trying to delete, when I searched for Process Explorer app in my Windows 10 box - I found this app. So, I thought of giving it a try and it worked (so, this can be another option):
Bigger Problem : I had locked many folders with this software when it was working fine.
But now I can't access those folders anymore, they're still locked but software doesn't show these folders in its "locked folders list".
How do I unlock them?
The software was working fine for few months - I was able to lock and unlock things in my computer during that period. But all of a sudden the software Folder Lock just got reset somehow.
I had the same problem. I was not able to retrieve my locked files but uninstall of folder lock without password is easily done by using for example speed commander (select folder lock from program files via speed commander and delete) Simple as that.(no password required) Can also be done with other file finding software as well.
The only way I know is to change the name of the parent directory in which the locked folder exists for example Pictures is the locked folder then change C:/Anything/Pictures to C:/Anything else/Pictures
Using a password to protect a folder means that you need to enter a password to see the list of documents in the folder. You can also password-protect individual files either in a password-protected folder or in a folder without password protection. The procedure is the same for files and folders.
It is not possible to use Windows to password-protect a folder in Windows 8 or Windows 10. You will need to download third-party software or use a zipped folder. If you elect to use third-party software, be sure you download it from a reputable source.
Although Microsoft has taken away the ability to password-protect a folder, you can still keep your confidential information private by using either a password-protected zipped folder or hiding files and folders so they don't appear in the directory list.
We all have computer files we'd like to protect and keep completely private, but not everyone knows how to password-protect a file folder in Windows 10. Whether you're hiding notes from someone (spouse, child, co-worker) with access to your computer or (hopefully) something less drastic, you're allowed to have some privacy.
Fortunately, in Windows 10, you can securely protect your private documents or files in a secret folder that is password protected, and you can do it without buying any additional software. Once you've created a new folder in Windows 10, here's how to password-protect it. You can never be too careful when it comes to privacy.
But to be safe, you should try this how-to using files you can afford to lose, just in case the method doesn't work for you. Also, ensure you're keeping some record of the exact password you're using to lock your folder.
Browse to the location of documents. Goto properties and set the permission for owner as well as group as read and write. Now try to delete the folder from another nautilus window (one without root privileges).
You can customize your lock screen. Try changing the background to a favorite photo or slide show. You can also choose quick status notifications to show you upcoming calendar events, social network updates, or other app and system notifications.
Select Slideshow, then select Browse, select the folder you want to use, and select Choose this folder. If you see folders listed that you don't want included in the slideshow, select Remove next to that folder.
If you chose Windows spotlight for your lock screen, you can test if it's working correctly. Press Windows logo key + L to lock your device. The Windows spotlight image should appear on the lock screen.
If you don't see the Windows spotlight image when you're signing in, select Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Check that the toggle for Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen is turned on.
Select Slideshow, then select Add a folder, select the folder you want to use, and select Choose this folder. If you see folders listed that you don't want included in the slideshow, select the folder, then select Remove.
If you chose Windows spotlight for your lock screen, you can test if it's working correctly. Press Windows logo key + L to lock your device. The Windows spotlight image should appear on the lock screen.
If you don't see the Windows spotlight image when you're signing in, select Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen . Then make sure Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen is turned on.
Want to hide files in a secret locked folder in Windows 10 or 11? Encrypting a folder allows you to lock the folder to anyone who doesn't have an encryption key. We'll show you how to encrypt files in Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Enterprise editions in File Manager, and how to use AxCrypt to lock folders if you're using Home edition.
When users forget the password, they will surely be locked and won't be able to access their locked files and data. On this page, in Part 1, you'll find 3 methods provided by professional users and geeks to unlock Folder Lock without the password.
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