Let me start by saying that… no, this article does not talk about compressing a folder into a password protected zip file. I will talk about a real tool that not only password protect your folders, but also hides them. Lets face it, what good does it do to protect a folder in a compressed zip file and having somebody stumble upon the file and finding it is password protected. Doesn’t that look suspicious? Or giving the file some strange name like “Windows Protected Drivers”, then forgetting the name of the archive and losing it forever? not good at all. There is a tool out there that will do exactly what you need. This tool will hide and password protect your folders and it is totally free. Its called “Free Hide Folder” and its been around for years.

Instructions

Download Free Hide Folder and install it.

After the installation finishes, the first thing Free Hide Folder will do is to ask you for a password. This is the master password for every single folder you wish to hide and protect. You will only be able to access these folders by using the program, unless you “Unhide” them.

Enter a password and click “Ok” to continue.

The software will then ask you to register; registration is, however, not required for the operation of the program for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

Select the folders on your computer and click “Ok“. Now you have a new hidden folder nobody will be able to see or access.

On the top menu there is an icon for “Backup“. This not meant for backing up the contents of your folder but rather for backing up your settings. Is is important to do so, in case you are not able to access Windows some day and have to reinstall it.

Tips

Once installed, Free Hide Folder will create an icon on your desktop; it will be wise to move this icon out of sight and rename it, otherwise it defeats the purpose.

Be sure to store the backup of the settings at a remote location, this way if your computer crashes you can always get your files back. A good place to store the backup would be on a folder on your web-based email account.