There’s one built-in method and two third-party methods, all completely free.

Doing this prevents other computer users from opening/viewing your files.

From theGeneraltab, selectAdvancedtoward the bottom.

The General tab, the Advanced button, and ‘encrypt contents to secure data’ highlighted on the Windows 11 desktop.

SelectEncrypt contents to secure data.

ChooseOKto save, and thenOKagain on the folder’s properties window.

You’re done now!

The ‘Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files’ highlighted for a folder.

Windows 11 places a lock icon on the folder to show it’s encrypted behind your user password.

To start, search windows forcertmgr.msc.

Navigate toPersonal>Certificatesusing the left pane.

All Tasks and Export highlighted in certmgr.

grab the items that sayEncrypting File System, right-poke the selection and chooseAll Tasks>Export.

ChoosePassword, enter a password for the private key, and then pressNext.

SelectBrowse, give the PFX file a name, and save it somewhere you’ll remember.

‘Yes, export the private key’ highlighted in Certificate Export Wizard.

PressNext>Finishwhich completesthe wizard.

There are, however, plenty of third-party software programs that can do the job.

Here are two examples:

7-Zip: Make Compressed Locked Folders

7-Zipis an archive tool.

Password area highlighted in Certificate Export Wizard.

That means it can compress the folder while applying a password to it.

Download 7-Zipand then install it.

Right-poke the folder you want to lock, and go toSee more options>7-Zip>Add to archive.

7z, ‘create sfx archive’, password boxes, and ‘encrypt file names’ all highlighted.

SelectOKto save and create the locked folder.

Now, you’re able to kick off the newly made EXE file to see a password prompt.

Enter the password you made earlier to unlock the folder.

7-Zip ‘Enter password’ box highlighted.

This file can be shared with anyone, and they’ll get the same password prompt.

To ensure nobody can get into the original files, delete the folder or move it somewhere private.

This program can secure your hidden folder behindtwopasswords.

Wise Folder Hider ‘create password’ prompt.

Download and installWise Folder Hider.

At the first launch, you’re asked to make a login password.

This is the first layer of security this program offers.

‘hide folder’ button, ‘secrets’ folder, and ‘ok’ button highlighted in Wise Folder Hider.

You must first enter this password to even use the software to unlock a locked folder later.

We highlighted the folder ‘Secrets’ so you might see the steps.

You’ll obviously pick your own folder(s).

The ‘Set Password’ menu item highlighted in Wise Folder Hider.

go for the arrow and chooseSet password.

Enter a password into the prompt, selectOKto save it, and thenOKagain on the confirmation box.

you might now end the program.

wise folder hider ‘set password’ prompt

SeeHow to Move, Delete, and Rename Locked Filesfor more on how those files work.

This differs from a folder that’s intentionally locked behind a password.

Changing the account name will update the user folder for that account.

Wise folder hider ‘hide file’, ‘enter password’ prompt, and ‘Hide Folder’ button highlighted.

PressWindows+R, and then typeshell:startup.

When you selectOK, the startup folder will open.