

- #Encrypt and hide folders how to#
- #Encrypt and hide folders windows 10#
- #Encrypt and hide folders password#
- #Encrypt and hide folders Pc#
In this case, you’ll likely want to choose the latter option, which is selected by default. If you’re trying to encrypt a folder, a message asks if you want to apply changes to this folder only or to this folder, subfolder, and files. Choose your preferred option and then click OK ( Figure D). Plus, any new files you create in the folder would not be encrypted. If the file is encrypted but not its folder, and you modify that file, an unencrypted version of the file could be stored temporarily as you edit it.

If you’re trying to encrypt a file or files, a message appears asking if you want to encrypt the file and its parent folder or only the file. Back at the Properties window, click OK or Apply. At the Properties box, click on the Advanced button and then check the box to Encrypt Contents To Secure Data. Select and right-click the specific folder or files. To set up the encryption, insert a USB stick into your computer, which you’ll use to back up the encryption key. Other accounts, even those with administrative privileges on the machine, will be unable to access it. If you encrypt a file with EFS, only you can access the file through your Windows account.
#Encrypt and hide folders windows 10#
EFS is available in Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Pro, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, and Windows 7 Enterprise. Windows offers a built-in encryption tool called Encrypted File Service (EFS). Second, if someone does gain access to your computer, that person could easily turn on the option for Hidden Files, which acts like a red flag for any potentially secret or sensitive files.Ī more secure option is to encrypt any folder or files you wish to safeguard. First, if you want to work with those files, you have to either unhide them or re-enable the option to view Hidden Files, which defeats the whole purpose of hiding them. Hiding folders and files is a simple process but one with a couple of obvious drawbacks. The files should then vanish ( Figure B). Click on the View tab and uncheck the box for Hidden Files. If you’re still able to see the folder or files, that likely means the option to view hidden files is turned on. From the Properties dialog box, click the checkbox for Hidden. Right-click on your selection and select Properties from the menu. Select a folder or file (or files) that you want to hide.

SEE: Windows 10 security: A guide for business leaders (TechRepublic Premium)įirst, open File Explorer on your Windows computer.
#Encrypt and hide folders password#
You can then back up the encryption key and add a password to further protect the file. Encrypting adds a certificate to the file so that only you can access it.
#Encrypt and hide folders Pc#
Perhaps there are specific folders and files on your PC for which you want an extra layer of security. You can–and should–protect your Windows computer with a strong and secure login password or other means of authentication. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships.
#Encrypt and hide folders how to#
Learn how to hide or encrypt specific files in Windows in order to better protect them. How to protect specific folders and files in Windows
