How do I password protect my files and folders in Windows?

Tip: Before password protecting any document you may wish to create a backup of the non-password protected folder and files in case you forget the password in the future.

 

 

The majority of Microsoft Windows operating systems do not come with a method of password protecting your sensitive files and/or folders. If you're using MicrosoftWindows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, you will need to download or purchase a third-party program to password protect your files and folders in Windows.

 

Microsoft Windows XP professional users:

The below steps for encrypting the files on Windows XP professional applies to users who are using a computer that has different accounts.

1. Select the Folder you wish to encrypt.
2. Right-click on the folder and click Properties.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Check "Encrypt contents to secure data" option.
5. Click Apply and then Ok.

Encrypt contents to secure data is grayed out:

• This will be grayed out if you're using the home edition of Microsoft Windows XP. See the below steps for securing the contents of your folders in Windows XP home.

Show "Encrypt" on the context menu:

• The newest version of TweakUI also enables you to show the Encrypt option in the context menu. To do this, follow the below steps.

1. Open TweakUI. If you do not have TweakUI you can find additional details about getting and installing TweakUI indocument CH000141.
2. In the TweakUI window, select Explorer
3. In the right side of the window under Settings, locate "Show 'Encrypt' on context menu" and check the box. This option should be below "Prefix 'shortcut to' on new shortcuts" and above "Show 'View workgroup computers' in NetPlaces".

• Tip: If you're missing this option, see document CH000711 for additional information.

Microsoft Windows XP home users:

1. Select the Folder you wish to encrypt.
2. Right-click the folder and click Properties.
3. Click the Sharing tab.
4. Check the box Make this folder private
5. Click Apply and then Ok.

Make this folder private is grayed out:

• In order for this option to work in Microsoft Windows XP home you must meet the below requirements.

1. The hard disk drive must be formatted in NTFS and not FAT32. Additional information about determining the type of file system your hard disk drive is running can be found ondocument CH000713.
2. The folder you're attempting to encrypt must be in your own personal folder. For example, if your name is GS, you must be encrypting a folder that is or that is contained within the below folder:
3. C:\Documents and Settings\GS\

 

Note: You cannot encrypt any folders outside of this folder.