How to password protect a folder on Windows 10
If you want to protect a folder with a password, you won’t find such a feature on Windows 10, but you can this alternative.
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Although Windows 10 doesn’t have the option to protect folders and files with a password, it doesn’t mean your data isn’t secure. One of the reasons why you can’t apply a password to a folder is that your account is already protected from unauthorized access with a password (and even encryption if you use BitLocker).
However, if you have priceless pictures, bank information, and other business documents you feel would be more secure using a password, you can use a combination of a virtual hard disk and BitLocker to password-protect folders and files. And you can do this without third-party tools or complicated scripts, which are probably not as secure as using theWindows 10built-in encryption feature.
In thishow-to guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to protect a folder with a password using a virtual hard disk and BitLocker available with the professional version of Windows 10.
How to protect a folder with password on Windows 10
Windows 10 doesn’t include an option to add a password to a folder, but you can set up a virtual hard drive with BitLocker, enabling you to mimic the same password protection experience and extra security.
Create virtual hard disk
To create a virtual hard disk on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you’ll end up with a virtual hard disk that you can treat as a folder and password protect using BitLocker.
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Enable BitLocker on virtual hard disk
To set up BitLocker on a virtual hard disk on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you can begin using the virtual disk as a folder to protect your content with a password.
Lock and unlock folder
Once you created a virtual drive and configured BitLocker, you’ll need to know a few steps to lock and unlock your files and folders.
Unlock folders with password
To access folders and files protected with a password on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you will be able to access your important files and folders.
Lock folders with password
To lock the folder again on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the folders will remain encrypted and protected. The next time you access your files and folders, you’ll need to follow the unlock instructions, which include entering the password again.
The best part about using a virtual hard drive with BitLocker to add a password to a folder is that you can continue to unlock your files on the same or different computer using the above steps.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Cutting-edge operating system
A refreshed design in Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly and safely, with biometric logins for encrypted authentication and advanced antivirus defenses.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
