4 Ways: How to Lock a Folder in Windows 7 with or without Software

You may want to password protect folders in Windows 7, so you can block some important folders so that other users cannot access them. Every time a blocked folder is accessed, the administrator password will be asked. So unless you don't unlock it yourself, the folder will be permanently locked.

Do you want to lock and password-protect your important folders in Windows 7? How to create a password protected folder in Windows 7? How can I lock a folder in Windows 7 with or without software? Windows 7 offers built-in encryption, but the Home edition does not. You can hide folders in Properties. However, if you want to fully password protect the folder, the only way to achieve this is to use third-party software. This post lists four ways to lock and secure a folder in Windows 7 with or without software.

Method 1: Lock a Folder in Windows 7 Using Folder Lock Software

The easiest and most effective way to use folder locking software for Windows 7 is to use third-party file locking software like IUWEsoft Password Protect Folder Pro. This Folder Lock software for Windows 7 allows you to lock and hide files and folders from computer hard drive and USB drive. You can also disguise folders as common system icons, so others cannot view, copy, change, remove or delete your protected files.

Step 1: Click "Lock File/Folder", and then click "Open for Lock" button to select a folder from computer or external drive.

Step 2: Select lock type (Lock without Hidden or Lock with Hidden), input and confirm password and then click Lock button.

Method 2: Lock a Folder in Windows 7 without Software Using Notepad

Step 1: Please paste below code on a Notepad.

cls

@ECHO OFF

title emily

if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" goto UNLOCK

if NOT EXIST MyFolder goto MDMyFolder

:CONFIRM

echo Are you sure to lock this folder? (Y/N)

set/p "cho=>"

if %cho%==Y goto LOCK

if %cho%==y goto LOCK

if %cho%==n goto END

if %cho%==N goto END

echo Invalid choice. goto CONFIRM

:LOCK

ren MyFolder "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"

attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"

echo Folder locked

goto End

:UNLOCK

echo Enter password to Unlock Your Secure Folder

set/p "pass=>"

if NOT %pass%== emily goto FAIL

attrib -h -s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"

ren "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" MyFolder

echo Folder Unlocked successfully

goto End

:FAIL

echo Invalid password

goto end

:MDMyFolder

md MyFolder

echo MyFolder created successfully

goto End

:End

Step 2: Save the Notepad file as Lock.bat

Step 3: Double-click the .bat file and a new folder will be created with the name MyFolder. Copy all your files you want to protect in that new folder named as MyFolder.

Step 4: Double-click on the Lock.bat and when the Command Prompt appears, type Y and press "Enter".

Now MyFolder will be hidden from your view, to access that folder double click on lock.bat.

It will ask for a password enter your password (Default password is emily). To change the password replace emily with a new password in the above code.

Method 3: Lock a Folder in Windows 7 Using Folder Properties

Step 1: Right-click the folder, select Properties.

Step 2: Go to the General tab > click Advanced.

Step 3: Tick "Encrypt contents to secure data" > click "OK" to confirm.

Then you can try to open the folder and see if you locked it without software in Windows 7.

Method 4: Lock a Folder in Windows 7 Using Limiting Control

Step 1: Right-click on the folder and click "Properties".

Step 2: Click the "Security" tab.

Step 3: Select "Administrators", then click "Edit".

Step 4: Choose the "Administrators" option, and in the deny checkbox, select all the options. Then, click "Apply".

Step 5: A warning window could pop up, click "Yes" to confirm your settings. Then, click "OK".

You can log in as a visitor, you can't open the folder. Only the Administrator can open the folder in Windows 7.