Best Encryption Software for Windows 10/11 Free Download

Looking for a safe way to increase the security of your files or hard drive in Windows 11/10? Data encryption is a surefire way to protect your private information from prying eyes. If you use the right encryption software, data encryption will be a piece of cake for you. This article recommends the best encryption software for Windows 11/10 users, including IUWEsoft Password Protect Folder Pro and Windows built-in encryption software - BitLocker.

1. Encryption Software for Windows 10/11 - IUWEsoft Password Protect Folder Pro

IUWEsoft Password Protect Folder Pro is free and reliable encryption software for Windows 10/11 users. It features military-grade encryption algorithms to lock, hide and disguise files or folders on internal and external hard drives. It is compatible with all Windows versions, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2003/2000. You can completely hide files and folders on local or external disks, making them invisible to anyone or any program. You can also lock your computer's hard drive and external removable storage devices. If you forget the encryption password, or the decryption fails for other reasons, you can still reset the password and restore all important encrypted data.

How to Encrypt Files in Windows 10/11 Using IUWEsoft Password Protect Folder Pro

Step 1: Download, install and launch the best Encryption Software for Windows 10/11 on your computer.

Step 2: Click "Lock File/Folder", and then click "Open for Lock" button to select a file or folder from Windows 11/10 computer or external drive (such as SD card, Pen drive, USB drive, etc.).

Step 3: Select lock type (Lock without Hidden or Lock with Hidden), input and confirm your customized password and then click Lock button.

2. Free Encryption Software for Windows 10/11 - BitLocker

BitLocker is free encryption software for Windows 10/11. It is the full encryption software that comes with all versions of Windows Vista and above. It provides encryption for your entire drive. By default, BitLocker uses AES encryption in Cipher Block Chaining or XTS mode. However, you can set a password or USB drive to unlock encrypted data with BitLocker. Your PC must use Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware to support its advanced security features. The TPM chip prevents guesswork or automated dictionary attacks.

If you don't know if your PC has a TPM chip, you can check as follows:

Press Windows + X keys to select Device Manager.

Expand "Security Devices" and you'll find an item there with "Trusted Platform Modules" and a version number.

If you have a TPM chip on your computer, you can set BitLocker to:

Step 1: Navigate to Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > BitLocker Drive Encryption.

Step 2: Click Turn on BitLocker under the BitLocker Drive Encryption section for the specific drive.

Step 3: Select "Enter Password" or "Insert USB Flash Drive" as the trigger to unlock the driver. If you choose to unlock with USB, you can choose to unlock with a smart card or a password.

Step 4: If you selected the password option, enter your password and confirm it.

Step 5: Choose how to recover your security key if you forget your password.

Step 6: Select the encryption option - "Encrypt used disk space only" or "Encrypt entire drive".

Step 7: You can further select two other encryption options - "New Encryption Mode" or "Compatibility Mode".

Step 8: Now, check the system running BitLocker to make sure the recovery and encryption keys will work.

Step 9: Finally, make sure BitLocker is turned on. To do this, go to My Computer and check for the lock icon displayed next to the drive.

If you want to suspend BitLocker:

Open Windows Explorer.

Click "This PC".

Right-click the encrypted drive and select the Manage BitLocker option.

You can now suspend BitLocker or disable it completely for each drive and encryption.