How to password protect a folder in Windows 10

To password protect a folder in Windows 10 you don't need an expensive software. We show you two tools for managing password-protected folders.

Windows 10 - Password protect a folder via WinRar

WinRar is a popular file archiver software and pre-installed on a lot of systems, even though it's the trial version in most cases. You can also use the program to password protect a folder of your choice. Just follow these steps after you've downloaded and installed the application for your operating system:

Open WinRar. Now look for the folder you want to protect with a password.
Right click on the file and a drop-down menu will appear. Choose the option  "Add to archive..."
The following window offers a lot of options. Here you will also find the possibility to add a password for the folder. Choose the option "Set password..."
Enter and reenter the password. Now just click on  "Ok" and you will leave the password manager. After this step you have to click  "Ok" in the first pop-up window to protect the archive with the set password.
WinRar will now archive the folder and its content. To unzip the folder the password is necessary.

Easy password protection with 7-Zip

7-Zip is one of the most popular free archives and a powerful tool for managing password-protected folders. The process is similar to using WinRar. Don't forget: You have to download and install the software before you can use 7-Zip.

As in WinRar open the 7-Zip software and locate the folder.
Right click on the folder and choose the option " Add to archive..." under 7-Zip.
Locate the option "Encryption "in the pop-up window. There you can set a password. To finish the process just click on "Ok".