8 BEST File & Folder Locker Software for Windows 10 PC

best folder locker software for windows

Folder Lock Software are tools that enable you to prevent other people from viewing, editing, and deleting files and directories. These programs have a user-friendly interface and use encryption techniques for security. Many such programs can be used to lock directories on a flash drive, external USB drive, internal hard drive, and more.

After 60+ hours of research, I have curated the top folder lock software for PC. I thoroughly reviewed 32 software programs and picked the best tools. In this insightful article, I share my findings on free and paid options, detailing their features, pros and cons, and pricing. My in-depth and trusted reviews will help you make an informed choice. Do not miss out on this exclusive guide!
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Top Pick
Folder Lock

Folder Lock is a software that can lock directories and files. This folder locker for PC application enables you to set a password to access drives. It can sync and encrypted backup files.

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BEST File & Folder Locker Software for PC (Free/Paid)

Name Supported OS Link
👍 Folder Lock Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 Learn More
👍 Iobit Protected Folder Supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000 Learn More
Gilisoft File Lock Pro Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista/7/8/10 (32 bits & 64 bits) Learn More
Wise Folder Hider Supports Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP Learn More
File Protect System Windows 10 version 14257.0 or higher Learn More

1) Folder Lock

Folder Lock is a software that can lock directories and files. I tested this PC folder locker and found that it allows you to set a password to access drives. It can sync and encrypt backup files, making it a top-notch solution for data protection.

#1 Top Pick
Folder Lock
5.0

Lock folders in seconds

Encrypt files on-the-fly

Sync & Backup Encrypted files

Supported Platforms: Windows 10 and Windows 8.1

Visit Folder Lock

Features:

  • External Drive Passwords: Passwords can be easily set to external drives or USBs, enhancing the security of your portable storage. I could access my secured USB without any issues.
  • Windows History Cleaning: You can clean Windows history, maintain privacy, and free up system resources. It allowed me to clear my activity history efficiently.
  • Permanent File Removal: It can permanently remove files, ensuring that deleted data cannot be further recovered.
  • Two-Way Encryption: Folder Lock offers a 2-way encryption method for security, providing robust protection for sensitive data.
  • Real-Time Backup: Backup your files in real time, ensuring your data is continuously protected and up-to-date.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to encrypt and lock files
  • I appreciate its ability to set various password options for files and folders
  • Allows secure backup of important files to the cloud
  • Stealth Mode hides the folder lock from unauthorized users

Cons

  • Cloud backup speed can sometimes be slow
  • Some advanced features require additional purchases

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: The plan starts at $39.95 for the full version.
  • Free Trial: Free Download

Visit Folder Lock >>

Download for Free


2) Iobit Protected Folder

Iobit Protected Folder is a software application that secures files and directories. During my research, I found that this application lets you set permissions for folders. It offers enhanced privacy and protection mode, which I particularly appreciate for its robust security.

#2
IObit Protected Folder
4.9

More Powerful Files Protection Tool

Safer Files & Data Locker

Download for Free

Supported Platforms: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000

Visit IObit

Features:

  • File Access Prevention: This tool is good for preventing access to files you like, enhancing security and privacy. It helped me access only the files I permitted.
  • Malicious Attack Protection: It can keep your files locked even if your computer suffers malicious attacks. This feature ensured my system received continuous protection.
  • File Hiding Capability: You can download it to hide files from others, keeping your sensitive information confidential. I benefitted from using this feature to protect my personal files.
  • Windows Compatibility: This application supports the Windows operating system, ensuring smooth functionality on your Windows devices.
  • Safer File and Data Locker: It provides a safer file and data locker, offering enhanced protection for your critical data.

Pros

  • Provides an easy-to-use interface for folder protection and encryption
  • It allows me to lock files with a simple drag-and-drop feature
  • Supports hiding folders from visibility in Windows Explorer

Cons

  • I could not use it on MacOS, limiting cross-platform compatibility
  • Does not offer cloud storage integration for backed-up files

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: The plan starts at $19.95 per year with 1 PC
  • Free Trial: Free Download

Visit Iobit >>

Download for Free


3) Gilisoft File Lock Pro

Gilisoft File Lock Pro is a software solution that locks folders on flash drives, external USB drives, internal hard drives, and more. While reviewing, I noticed that this tool can hide files, folders, and drives. It is an ideal choice for those needing extra security.

#3
Gilisoft File Lock Pro
4.8

Password Protect Files, Folders on Local Drive, USB drive or LAN Network.

Supported Platforms: Windows 2000/XP/7/10/11 (32 bits &64 bits)

Free Trial: Download Trial

Visit Gilisoft

Features:

  • Disk and Folder Monitoring: You can monitor the disk or folder when changes are made by the user, ensuring real-time tracking. It helped me to focus on all the necessary changes made to the folders.
  • Disk Wiper: I could use the disk wiper to clean unused disk space, optimize storage, and maintain privacy. 
  • LAN Folder Locking: It can lock folders shared in LAN, ensuring secure access within a network. I benefitted from using this feature to protect shared files.
  • Uninstallation Protection: Nobody can uninstall this application without a password, providing enhanced security for the software.
  • Password Recovery: You can find your lost password in your pre-defined email, ensuring you can always regain access.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface, even for beginners to access features seamlessly
  • Offers stealth mode to hide the program from unauthorized users
  • Allows setting up a password hint for recovery

Cons

  • It cannot be installed on a portable drive
  • Lacks cloud integration for online file storage and access

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: Plan starts at $29.95 per year with 1 PC
  • Free Trial: Download Trial
  • Refund Policy: 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee

Link: https://www.gilisoft.com/product-file-lock-pro.htm


4) Wise Folder Hider

Wise Folder Hider is an application that hides your private photos, videos, and files. This application provides a second-level password with phone protection for specific folders, drives, or files. I found this tool very useful for protecting the data.

Wise Folder Hider

Features:

  • USB Drive Protection: It lets me password-protect my files on USB drives, ensuring data security on portable storage devices. I could access my protected files with ease.
  • Secure File Modification: Wise Folder Hider provided a more secure and convenient way to modify my protected files, enhancing data safety during edits.
  • User-Friendly Interface: It offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and use the software effectively.
  • File and Folder Encryption: The tool lets me encrypt files and folders up to 50 MB. It also allowed me to secure my critical documents and sensitive data efficiently. 
  • Right-Click Directory Hiding: I could hide a directory by right-clicking it, offering a quick and easy way to keep folders confidential.

Pros

  • The interface makes hiding files and folders straightforward
  • Password protection adds an extra layer of security
  • Supports multiple file hiding, offering flexibility
  • Works on multiple file types, including USB drives

Cons

  • It faces compatibility issues with certain file types or sizes at times
  • I found user reviews mentioning occasional crashes or freezes

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: The plan starts at $19.95 per year with 3 PCs
  • Free Trial: Free Download
  • Refund Policy: 60-Days Money-Back Guarantee

Link: https://www.wisecleaner.com/


5) File Protect System

File Protect System is software that secures your data. According to my review, this software encrypts folders and files. It uses hash functions like MD5 and SHA-256 to encrypt data. It is a great way to keep your information safe.

File Protect System

Features:

  • Confidential Information Exchange: You can exchange confidential information using an embedded email client, ensuring secure communication. It helped me access a secure method for sharing sensitive data.
  • File Packaging and Backup: File Protect System allows you to create packages of files for creating archives or taking backups, simplifying data management. I benefitted from using this feature for easy backups.
  • PC Cipher Conversion: This application can convert your PC to a cipher machine used by government agencies, providing high-level security.
  • Professional File Encryption Manager: Professional File Encryption Manager (FEM) offers advanced encryption capabilities, ensuring robust data protection.
  • Real-Time Control System: Real-Time Control System (RTCS, base edition) offers continuous monitoring and control for enhanced security management.

Pros

  • The easy-to-use interface simplifies file protection setup
  • Strong encryption standards safeguard sensitive data
  • Allows scheduled scans to ensure continuous protection
  • It allowed me to customize protection settings easily

Cons

  • Some advanced features are only available in the premium version
  • As per my experience, tech support response time is slow

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: Buy at $43.99
  • Free Trial: Download for free

Link: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9PM7VN21SK42


6) Lock & Hide Folder

Lock and Hide Folder is a program that protects sensitive information. During my research, I found that it allows you to show or hide sensitive files with shortcuts. This application can also prevent file access from the command prompt. I particularly appreciate its user-friendly features.

Lock & Hide Folder

Features:

  • Permanent Folder Removal: This tool allows folders to be removed permanently, ensuring that deleted data cannot be recovered or accessed again. I could access this feature to securely delete unwanted folders.
  • 256-bit Blowfish Encryption: Your directories are protected using the 256-bit Blowfish Encryption method, ensuring high-level data security. I benefitted from using this encryption for my sensitive data.
  • Shortcut Access Prevention: It ensures that files in the folder cannot be accessed from shortcuts, enhancing the security of your stored data.
  • Reinstallation Hack Prevention: Directories cannot be hacked by reinstalling the OS, providing robust protection against unauthorized access.
  • Auto-Run on Startup: This file locker for PC runs when you start Windows, providing continuous protection from the moment your system boots up.
  • Password Protection: When you open the program, it provides a password protection facility, ensuring only authorized users can access it.

Pros

  • Easy to use for hiding and encrypting files and folders
  • Supports various file systems like NTFS, exFAT, FAT32, and FAT16
  • I can lock and unlock large data volumes in seconds, making my work more efficient
  • Master password protection adds a secure layer to your data

Cons

  • The tool may stop the locking process if file or disk errors occur
  • At times, it shows some issues with real-time encryption and decryption

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: Buy at $29
  • Free Trial: Free Download

Link: https://www.lock-folder.com/


7) Folder Lock Pro

Folder Lock Pro is an app that locks, hides, and protects your files and folders. I tested this application and was pleased with the easy user interface that ensured easy accessibility. It also prevents unauthorized access to folders without a password. I found this tool effective enough to secure the sensitive data on my device. 

Folder Lock Pro

Features:

  • Email Password Backup: The tool lets me back up my folder password via email, ensuring I can recover it if forgotten. It helped me access my password securely when needed.
  • External Drive Hiding: I could hide features on an external drive connected to the USB drive, ensuring confidential data remains invisible.
  • Folder Monitoring and Logging: This folder lock in Windows 10 provides folder monitoring and logs operations, enhancing security through detailed activity tracking.
  • LAN Password Protection: It provides a password protection facility on LAN, securing shared files within your local network. I benefitted from using this feature to protect my network files.
  • Uninstall Protection: This tool offers password protection while uninstalling the app, preventing unauthorized removal and ensuring continuous security.

Pros

  • The user-friendly interface makes securing files and folders uncomplicated
  • I could set up secure backups, guaranteeing my data stays protected
  • Portable drive protection ensures data security across devices
  • Keeps a history of locked files for easy management

Cons

  • I find the pricing to be higher compared to similar software
  • The free version has limited features compared to the paid version

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: Buy at $39.95
  • Free Trial: Free Download

Link: http://www.thundershare.net/folder-lock-pro/


8) Secret Disk

Secret Disk is a tool that protects folders on your hard drive with a password. While reviewing, I noticed that this PC folder locker lets you create a private, invisible disc. It is compatible with other software on your PC, ensuring an additional security option.

Secret Disk

Features:

  • Operating System Support: The supported operating system is Windows, ensuring compatibility with your Windows devices. I benefitted from using this tool on my Windows PC.
  • Data Processing Standards: It used industry-leading protocols and standards to process my data, ensuring high-level security and compliance.
  • Access Limitation: You can limit file access, providing enhanced security and privacy for sensitive data.
  • Automation Scenarios: It lets me set an automation scenario to work conveniently, streamlining my workflow and increasing efficiency. The tool also helped me access automated processes easily.
  • Easy and Fast Creation: Secret Disk provides easy and fast creation of file and folder locks, providing a user-friendly experience and quick setup.

Pros

  • Encrypts files and folders with robust security algorithms
  • Operates silently in the background without affecting system performance
  • Supports multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for global users
  • As per my experience, the tool offers seamless integration with Windows 10

Cons

  • No mobile app support for on-the-go access to secured files
  • I noticed that the CPU usage spikes quite a bit during intensive encryption tasks

Pricing Plans:

  • Pricing: Free Download

Link: https://www.privacyroot.com/software/website/freeware-en-about-sede.html

Other best file & folder locker software

  1. Folder Protector: Folder Protector is a portable tool to encrypt and protect files and folders on a USB flash drive and hard disc. This file locker for the Windows 10 program prevents other people from deleting, moving, and accessing your data.
    Link: https://www.kakasoft.com/folder-protect/
  2. dCrypt X: dcrypt X is a tool for locking your private documents. It follows SnowFrost Engine cryptography to encrypt files. This program asks for the exact password when you open any folder.
    Link: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9WZDNCRDRHFT
  3. EXE Locker: EXE Locker is an easy-to-use open-source tool that helps you to lock a .exe file with one mouse button. This folder lock software for PC programs can convert files to password-protected executables.
    Link: https://exelocker.xyz/

What is a folder locker?

Folder lock software employs the strongest encryption algorithms. This application uses a high-level encryption key and offers many other ways like file hiding, shredding, and passwords.

How do you choose the best file & folder locker software?

Choosing the best file and folder locker software is essential for protecting sensitive data. With numerous options available, you must focus on the necessary requirements. Here are the key points to consider:

  • Security Features: Make sure you choose software with strong encryption. This helps you keep your data secure.
  • User-Friendly Interface: It is important to select software that is easy to navigate. This makes it accessible to everyone.
  • Compatibility: Pay attention to the compatibility with your operating system. This ensures smooth functioning.
  • Additional Features: Consider software with features like password recovery. This may help in case you forget your password.
  • Customer Support: Good customer support is essential. It should assist when needed.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Check user reviews. This gives insights into the software’s performance.
  • Price: Compare pricing options. Choose one that offers the best value for your needs.

What are the advantages of folder lock software?

Here are the advantages of folder lock software:

  • Provides the security of files and directories.
  • These applications keep your files locked even if your computer suffers from malicious attacks.
  • You can set a password that is asked when someone opens the program.
  • It offers easy to use interface.
  • Folder lock software provides a more secure and convenient way to modify your protected files.

How to lock a folder in Windows 10?

You can perform the following steps to lock a folder in Windows 10:

  • Step 1) Right-click on any folder
  • Step 2) Go to the Properties tab
  • Step 3) Go to the Advanced tab
  • Step 4) Check the “Encrypt contents to secure data” option
  • Step 5) Hit “Ok”
  • Step 6) Press “Apply” and then press “Ok”

Is folder lock software secure?

Folder lock software tools enable you to prevent other people from viewing, editing, and deleting files and directories.

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Verdict

I have come across some exceptional file and folder locker software for Windows. If you are deciding on the best way to secure your sensitive data, check my verdict on three top-notch options that stand out for their reliability and features.

  • Folder Lock: Folder Lock is a phenomenal solution for securing files and folders with its comprehensive range of features, including encryption, password protection, and backup options. I recommend this reliable and user-friendly software for those who need robust security and customizable settings.
  • Iobit Protected Folder: Iobit Protected Folder is an excellent choice for protecting sensitive data with its powerful and cost-effective features. This secure and remarkable tool ensures your files remain safe from unauthorized access.
  • Gilisoft File Lock Pro: Gilisoft File Lock Pro stands out as an ultimate solution with its impressive features. This top-rated software offers reliable encryption, stealth mode, and advanced locking options, making it ideal for those seeking superior data protection.