Windows 10 doesn’t have a setting that puts a password on a folder. The safest way is to put the folder in an encrypted archive with a free tool like 7-Zip, or in a BitLocker-encrypted virtual drive. Windows also has built-in file encryption (EFS), which locks files to your user account rather than to a separate password.
Applies to: Windows 10. BitLocker and EFS need Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Which method should you use?
- Share the folder or store it on a USB drive: use an encrypted ZIP or 7z archive.
- Keep a private folder on your PC that you open often: use a BitLocker virtual drive.
- Stop other people who use the same PC from opening your files: use EFS encryption, or give each person their own account.
Method 1: Put the folder in an encrypted archive
7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver. It encrypts archives with AES-256.
- Install 7-Zip from its official website.
- Right-click the folder and select 7-Zip > Add to archive.
- Set Archive format to 7z (or zip), and choose AES-256 under Encryption.
- Type a strong password twice. For 7z, check Encrypt file names so people can’t even see what’s inside.
- Select OK. Check that the archive opens with your password, then delete the original folder.
Anyone who opens the archive must enter the password. If you forget it, the files can’t be recovered.
Method 2: Use a BitLocker-encrypted virtual drive
This creates a private drive that needs a password to unlock. It works well for a folder you use every day.
- Right-click Start and select Disk Management.
- Select Action > Create VHD. Choose a location, a size, and VHDX, then select OK.
- Right-click the new disk on the left, select Initialize Disk, and select OK.
- Right-click the unallocated space, select New Simple Volume, and follow the steps to give it a drive letter.
- In File Explorer, right-click the new drive and select Turn on BitLocker. Choose Use a password to unlock the drive, save your recovery key, and finish the wizard.
Move your private files into this drive. When you restart or eject it, it locks again. To open it, double-click the VHDX file and enter the password.
Method 3: Encrypt the folder with EFS
- Right-click the folder and select Properties.
- On the General tab, select Advanced.
- Check Encrypt contents to secure data, then select OK > Apply.
- Choose Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files and select OK.
- When Windows asks, back up your encryption key to a USB drive.
EFS doesn’t ask for a password when you open the folder. Your files open normally for you but can’t be opened by other accounts on the PC. Protect your Windows account with a strong password or PIN.
Why not use a “folder lock” script?
You may find instructions for a batch file that “locks” a folder. It only hides the folder and renames it. Anyone who knows the trick, or who shows hidden files, can open it, and the password sits in plain text inside the script. Use one of the methods above instead.
If you just want to hide a folder
Hiding a folder keeps it out of sight but doesn’t protect it. See how to hide files and folders in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Can I password protect a folder in Windows 10 Home?
Not with built-in tools. Use an encrypted 7-Zip archive.
What happens if I forget the password?
The files can’t be opened. There’s no reset for an encrypted archive or a BitLocker drive without the recovery key, so store the password safely.
Can I password protect a single file instead?
Yes. Put it in an encrypted archive, or, for Office files, set a password in the app. See how to require a password to open an Excel file.
Microsoft’s guide is How to encrypt a file or folder. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Can someone open my folder on another PC?
With an encrypted ZIP or a BitLocker drive, no, not without the password. EFS works differently: it ties the files to your Windows account, so copying them to a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, or emailing them, can remove the encryption.
Related: password protect a ZIP file in Windows 10.
Related: password protect a text file in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.