Many users have been waiting for a long time for Microsoft to add a native feature to Windows that will allow them to protect specific folders password (for example, those containing confidential information). So far this has not happened, which means that we have only one thing left - to use programs created by third-party developers. However, even though there are quite a lot of such programs, most of them are not of particular quality. We tested more than 20 tools of this type and selected the 5 best of them.

LocK-A-FoLdeR is perfect solution for the most undemanding users. The program uses only one master password and has a very simple user interface. Moreover, the program does not offer any settings at all.

After selecting the folders that require protection, all you have to do is close the application. Instead of using encryption, this program simply hides folders from any user who might try to access them. To restore access to protected folders, you will have to open LocK-A-FoLdeR again and use the UnLock button.

This program is available completely free of charge.

This is one of the best programs we have tested. It has a lot of features and they all work very well. With Folder Guard, you can protect files and folders with individual passwords, or simply hide and lock them. The interface looks great - it's well structured and very easy to use. Folders that need to be protected can be selected in the tree list, or simply dragged and dropped into the program window.

A really useful feature of the program is the ability to create filters for various types files so that they are protected automatically. Additionally, you can selectively assign access rights to user accounts on your computer.

This program is paid, but there is a trial version that works for 30 days. Full version costs $59.95. By purchasing it, you will receive updates to any new version during the first year of use. In addition, one license can be used on 2 computers. However, after the first year, if you want to receive further updates, you will have to pay for new license.

This program uses encryption to protect folders. Folder Protector does not require installation. So all you have to do is run the executable, select a folder, enter the password twice and click Protect. All files inside the encrypted folder will be hidden and you will only find a small executable file there, which you will need when you want to unlock the folder.

The program works for free with some restrictions. You can configure it to use 256-bit encryption only if you purchase the Pro version, which costs $22.95.

Folder Lock Lite is another good program that allows you to protect folders, files, and even entire disks. When you first launch, you will be asked to enter your master password. This password will be used for each folder or file that you choose to lock. You can then simply drag and drop the items you want to protect into the program's main interface. All folders selected for protection will be immediately locked and hidden. No one will be able to access them without your password.

trial version allows you to use this program for 30 days. For further use you will have to pay $39.95.

This program is easy to use and has a nice and clear user interface. It uses a single master password for all folders you choose to protect.

To add folders, use the “Add” button, but you can simply drag them into the program interface. Protected Folder offers several options, including ways you can block access to folders for users who don't have a password.

It's also worth mentioning that you won't be able to uninstall this program without first entering your master password. During deletion, all your protected folders will be automatically unlocked. This eliminates the risk of data loss.

20 runs of the program are given free of charge without any restrictions. A license for one year costs 600 rubles.

What we learned during testing

There is no need to install more than one program of this type. We encountered a problem where programs blocked each other, and because of this we could not access folders protected by one program after installing another.

Another problem is that most programs of this type forget to unlock the folders they protect when you delete them. Thus, you can easily lose access to your data. However, the programs described above do not have this disadvantage, so after removing them you will not be left with blocked or hidden folders.

Have a great day!

You are probably already familiar with FolderSizes application on Windows based, which helps monitor and manage spaceon hard disk. It's not free, but if you just want to know what's taking up space on your hard drive, you don't have to give up your hard-earned money, there's a free solution for that!

You can download Folder Size, walking along . The installer size is approximately 268 KB (I personally tested the 32-bit version). Now let's look at all the PROS and CONS of the Folder Size application:

BEHIND

• Application free And small size.
• Convenient for managing hard drive space.

AGAINST

• Pop-up windows only allow you to open folders.
• Application features limited only by folder/file sizes. The app could offer important features such as a duplicate file detector and Disk Cleanup Tool.

What do people say about Folder Size?

This small tool is used by many users who like to quickly and easily view the size of files and folders on their computers. Some users consider this software useful because they are not happy with the view ConductorWindows, which does not display detailed file and folder size information. Others like the app's simple user interface and responsiveness. Many also reported that Folder Size helps them monitor and manage their hard drive space.

However, I also found reviews from a few users who didn't like the app's functional style at all. pop-up windows They argue that if the program could be integrated into Windows Explorer to add other information besides about files/folders, then the application would be more practical.

Using Folder Size

After fast loading install the Folder Size application on your computer. Installation will also not keep you waiting long.

The application launches immediately after installation. You will see its icon on the taskbar.

When opening a folder or hard drive application automatically opens pop-up window in the upper right corner and shows content list inside the folder/disk, as well as their sizes.

It's that simple.

Inside the pop-up window, double-click on any folder icon. This will open the folder in a separate window. You cannot open files from pop-ups.

Settings

Click right click mouse on the program icon on the taskbar and configuration options will appear on the screen.

If you uncheck the 'Show Folder Size popups' option, you will no longer see file/folder size popups. There are also options to configure how the program starts and exits.

Conclusion

Even though Folder Size offers very basic functionality for managing disk space, I still hope that developers will expand this functionality and usability of this application in the near future.

Have you ever used Folder Size or similar applications? What do you think about them? Share your experience with us in the comments section. Happy computing!

Folder Lock is software that allows you to protect and encrypt important confidential data on your PC. In addition, the utility provides the ability to encrypt information on removable drives, optical media and email.

Using this application, you can quickly and conveniently hide confidential data in directories or set a password on it. Hidden data is not shown through Explorer or file managers. When you try to switch to a password-protected disk, an error notification will appear on the screen.

In addition to data on a PC, the application allows you to hide and protect information on removable drives, laser media and electronic devices.
Data hidden using this utility is not shown when using the “Show” option hidden files and folders”, which they cannot boast of standard means. You can download the program absolutely free of charge, which ensures the protection of personal information.

How the program works

To start working with the program, you need to register a password that will be used to access the application interface or make changes to it. The drag and drop feature allows you to easily move directories and files that need to be locked.

The utility's capabilities include encryption of files and folders, storage important information in the “cloud” on the website, protecting data on USB drives and laser media, as well as saving passwords from bank accounts and more. In addition, the utility has a function that can turn off the PC after some time if no action is performed.

Peculiarities

The utility allows you to save personal data in the “cloud” on the manufacturer’s website. In addition, it is possible to encrypt messages Email along with attachments. The utility also makes it possible to create wallets for storing credit card data.

In addition, the computer automatically locks if no activity is performed for a certain period of time. If you enter the password incorrectly, all connected equipment may be disconnected.

Advantages and disadvantages

The utility protects information on flash drives and portable storage devices. In addition, you can set a password for access to files, folders and drives. The program uses drag and drop technology. Thanks to the simple and convenient interface, the application is quite easy to work with. In addition, you can download the program absolutely free.

Among the negative aspects, it is worth highlighting the lack of Russian language in the menu. In addition, the trial version can be run only 20 times.

Overall, Folder Lock is an excellent utility, very useful and easy to use. It is able to protect confidential data and hide it from prying eyes. It is recommended to download this application for those who are concerned about the security of their data. The functionality of the program is supported by all Windows operating systems.

However, you can only run the application 20 times for free. To be able to use it in the future, you need to buy license key. You can also resort to the help of a similar development called Wise Folder Hider. It's simple and free utility, which has similar capabilities.

You must download the application from the manufacturer’s official resource or a reliable source, which will allow you to protect confidential information on your computer. In this case, you need to activate the computer's security measures, which will prevent viruses from entering the operating system.

Many people often have to deal with confidential files that should be carefully encrypted and hidden from prying eyes. This is why iObit's Protected Folder program is very popular. The company has long been famous for its acceleration and optimization personal computers, and Protected Folder is one of its best products.

The essence of the program is locking files and folders password to prevent theft or leakage of information. Main advantages:

1. Simplicity in use.
2. Reliable hiding information. Files or directories will no longer be able to be deleted, modified, read, executed, or viewed.
3. Protection privacy.
4. Pleasing to the eye design.

A product that has already proven itself in the market differs from competitors more deep protection secret data, even if with software something went wrong on the computer. Can't help but please good service support: you can literally solve any problem related to this application in a matter of minutes.

Attention!At the end of the article you can download free key to the Protected Folder program.

How to install the application

To start the installation process:

Protected Folder interface overview

It is worth noting that iObit Protected Folder, having such high-quality and effective functionality, does not mislead the user with a huge set of incomprehensible parameters. Everything is extremely simple:

How to use iObit Protected Folder

The application is very easy to use. In fact, you only need to specify the element that you want to block. Everything else Folder Password Protect, will do it herself. Let's take a closer look at the whole process:

Uninstalling an application

To remove a program, use the standard procedure:

1. Let's go to Control Panel
2. We find the section - uninstalling programs or programs and components, depending on the system version
3. We find Protected Folder in the list and start deleting.

Attention!!! Before uninstalling, you should unlock all encrypted files and directories, since at the time of uninstalling the program, for security purposes, all encrypted files are deleted.

Protected Folder PRO

You can, of course, use the application for free without any problems, but you still can’t help but mention the paid version.

You can buy a license directly on the website by clicking on the orange button “ Buy now", after which you will be able to obtain a license code for Protected Folder Pro. Its cost is also shown here - 599 Russian rubles. It is distinguished by the presence of premium support and deeper optimization to protect files, even in the event of an attack ransomware viruses. It's also a great way to support developers who care so much about their users.

In addition, on our website you can download a Protected Folder license key for 20 users, which will be valid for 3 months: 7D4C5-17195-14B7A-22FB9.

The problem of protecting confidential data when working on a computer always remains relevant. It's safe to say that most users have information that they would not want to share with others. This can be important financial or business documentation, as well as personal information. In any case, if you do not take care of the security of this data in advance, then it is quite possible that it may accidentally or as a result of targeted actions end up in the eyes of someone who shouldn’t. This happens especially often when several people are working on your computer or it is left on unattended. Therefore, we want to introduce you to the most accessible methods for solving this problem, both built-in using Windows, and with the help of special programs.

Encrypting files and folders using EFS

The easiest way to prevent unauthorized access to your data is to use the EFS (Encrypting File System) encryption tool built into the system. It provides “transparent” work with encrypted files and folders, i.e. you do not need to perform any additional actions with them. To activate EFS, you need to check the appropriate box in the properties of a file or directory. All contents of the encrypted directory will be classified, and any file or folder added to it later will also become protected from unauthorized access. This way you can reliably hide your data from other users of your computer.

BitLocker and Applocker

The BitLocker function, available in older versions of Windows 7/Vista, allows you to protect data by fully encrypting the hard drive, and it can be used on both the system and regular volumes. The BitLocker To Go option helps you keep information on your computer secret. portable devices, for example external hard drives or USB drives. Enabling BitLocker is done using the appropriate tool in the Control Panel.

Applocker is Windows function 7, which is designed to limit launch certain applications. It is controlled using group policies and is designed for experienced users and administrators.

Special programs

Free Hide Folder | www.cleanersoft.com/hidefolder

Free program for hiding folders from prying eyes. It is less than 1 MB in size and works on all versions of Windows. Using the utility does not cause any difficulties - you just need to indicate in the main window the folders that you want to hide and click the Hide Folder button. When you launch Free Hide Folder for the first time, you will be asked to enter a password that prevents you from changing settings and showing your secret folders. This way you can hide an unlimited number of folders and the files they contain. In addition, the utility allows you to create backups your data.

Folder Lock | www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock

Folder Lock is designed to encrypt files and folders. The program contains a whole range of tools that serve to maintain secrecy, and has an unusual interface in the form of a bank safe. To save your data, the utility creates special encrypted storage facilities called Lockers. You can place as many files and folders as you like there and protect them with a password. Folder Lock can also restrict access to a USB drive or CD, has a hidden mode of operation, and monitors hacking attempts.

Easy File Locker | www.xoslab.com

Easy File Locker runs on Windows 2000/XP/Vista and boasts a miniature size of only 300 KB. It allows you to protect confidential files and folders so that others cannot open, read, change, move or copy them. Such files/folders will be invisible to all users and programs, even when loaded into safe mode. You can add data using the standard file selection dialog or simply dragging it into the main program window, after which a dialog will appear indicating the password and privacy options.

My Lockbox | fspro.net/my-lockbox

My Lockbox is used to hide and password protect folders on your disk and can be installed on any Windows version, including 64-bit. Even at the installation stage of the program, you will be asked to indicate the location of the protected directories and enter a password, and after installation is complete, access to them will be limited. Protected folders are managed in My Lockbox Control Panel, which can be opened using a shortcut in the main menu of the system or by hotkey. Basic functionality is provided for free, but there is also a more advanced Pro version for money.

WinMend Folder Hidden | www.winmend.com/folder-hidden

WinMend Folder Hidden is a free utility for protecting files and folders. Can quickly and safely hide data on both local and removable media. In this case, access to encrypted information cannot be obtained from another operating system and even with connecting hard disk to another computer. In the program settings, folders and files that need to be protected are indicated and a password is set. The utility has a multilingual interface and allows you to change the view using color schemes registration

TrueCrypt | www.truecrypt.org

This program is an open source product and is available for Windows 7/Vista/XP, as well as Mac OS X and Linux. It allows you to create a special encrypted space that appears in the system as a separate logical drive. With TrueCrypt you can also completely encrypt a hard drive partition or USB drive. Distinctive Features utilities are strong encryption algorithms, a double-hide mechanism (in case you are forced to give out a password under duress), portability, encryption system partitions, hotkey support for mounting encrypted drives, etc.