How to put a password on a folder windows 10 without software?

Introduction

Putting a password on a folder in Windows 10 without using any additional software can be a useful way to protect your sensitive files and documents. By adding a password to a folder, you can ensure that only authorized individuals can access its contents. In this article, we will explore how to accomplish this without the need for any third-party software.

Using File Explorer

Windows 10 provides a built-in feature called File Explorer that allows you to password-protect your folders. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard or by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the location where the folder you want to password-protect is located.
3. Right-click on the folder and select “Properties” from the context menu.
4. In the Properties window, go to the “General” tab and click on the “Advanced” button.
5. In the Advanced Attributes window, check the box next to “Encrypt contents to secure data” and click on the “OK” button.
6. A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to apply the changes to the folder only or to the folder and its subfolders. Choose the option that suits your needs and click on the “OK” button.
7. You will be prompted to back up your encryption certificate and key. Choose the appropriate option and click on the “OK” button.

Once you have completed these steps, the folder will be encrypted and password-protected. Only users with the correct encryption certificate and key will be able to access its contents.

Using BitLocker

Another method to password-protect a folder in Windows 10 is by using BitLocker, a built-in encryption feature. However, please note that BitLocker is only available in certain editions of Windows 10, such as Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Here’s how you can use BitLocker to protect your folder:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to password-protect.
2. Right-click on the folder and select “Turn on BitLocker” from the context menu.
3. In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, choose the option to “Use a password to unlock the drive.”
4. Enter a strong password in the provided field and click on the “Next” button.
5. Choose a location to save your recovery key. This key will be required if you forget your password, so make sure to store it in a safe place.
6. Select the encryption option that suits your needs and click on the “Next” button.
7. Click on the “Start encrypting” button to begin the encryption process.

Once the encryption process is complete, your folder will be password-protected using BitLocker.

Conclusion

Protecting your sensitive folders in Windows 10 without using any additional software is possible through the built-in features of File Explorer and BitLocker. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your confidential files and documents are secure and only accessible to authorized individuals.

References

– support.microsoft.com
– docs.microsoft.com