32 Best Free Folder Lock Software for Windows 10

February 6, 2023

The security and privacy of computer systems and the data they contain are critical. Breaking into the security system and stealing important files is a nightmare that many people fear these days. Unfortunately, for many organizations and individuals, this fear has already been justified by situations in which hackers have gained access to information intended to be kept secret. If you are looking for the best free folder lock software for Windows 7, 8 or 10, this article will help you find them. Listed below are the best free folder storage software like IObit Protected Folder, WinZip, WinRAR, Anvi Folder Locker, etc. along with their main features and download links. So, keep reading to find out about the best free folder lock software for Windows 10.

Best Free Folder Lock Software for Windows 10

Luckily, using folder lock software is one of the most common ways to protect your information. Folder lock software is a set of tools that allow you to prevent others from accessing, modifying or deleting your files and folders. The Windows 10 ANVI folder free download process is also included in this article.

1. Gilisoft Pro File Lock

Gilisoft File Locker Pro is one of the best free folder locker software for Windows 7, 8 and 10 that has many useful features to help you protect your files.

This tool will help you hide or password protect your file.
This software is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, 7, 8, 10 and 11.
You can lock folders on various storage devices such as thumb drives, external USB drives, and internal hard drives.
It is able to block shared folders on the local network and has a simple and interactive interface.
Gilisoft File Lock Pro services are available in different languages such as English, Czech and Chinese.
You can clean up disk space using the Disk Cleanup option.
It provides military grade encryption.

Also, if you forget your password, you will not be able to uninstall this software. In this case, you can find the password in the registered email.

2. Hidden DIRECTORY

HiddenDIR is an easy to use tool that is one of the best free programs for the following reasons:

This tool offers a basic solution to protect your files without additional installation or plugins.
Hiding and password protecting files are the main features of HiddenDIR.
It is compatible with Windows
This Windows-compatible tool allows you to make important files invisible, i.e. hide them.
This portable tool maintains your privacy by locking your files or directories.
When someone launches the software, you can provide a password, which they will be prompted for.
This Windows 10 folder locker has a user friendly interface and hides entire folders.
As soon as directories are added to the hidden list, they are immediately hidden.

3. Folder lock

Folder Lock has many familiar features that help you perform various file protection tasks. This free download folder locker for Windows 7 and 10 has the following features:

Its real-time cloud sync capability is convenient for storing sensitive data in cloud safes.
Folder Lock app is an easy to use free folder locker for Windows 7, 10, Mac and Android devices.
You can also encrypt CDs and USB drives.
It is an easy to use tool that can sync and encrypt backup files.
In addition, it uses a two-way encryption mechanism for security purposes.
You can delete files or folders that you don't want others to see and back up important files.
The tool offers a free 30-day trial and the licensed version is available for $39.95.

4. Secret folder

SecretFolder is a great tool that can work both in your favor and against it thanks to the significant features listed below:

SecretFolder is a free folder lock for Windows 10 with basic features and an easy way to lock your files.
Another great feature of SecretFolder is password protection. You cannot delete a file without its password.
But you can easily unlock the folder if you know the password.
It also prevents ransomware and viruses from attacking your data.
This provides unlimited storage protection and keeps your sensitive files safe from prying eyes.
This program allows you to isolate data from public areas.
This free tool is available for Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11.

5. IObit Protected Folder

IObit has a more advanced privacy and security feature to protect files and folders and is one of the best tools available on the list for the following reasons:

It encrypts important folders and protects your files from unauthorized access and malicious applications.
It is compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000.
It has a clean and easy to use user interface.
Despite its powerful features and interface, IObit is easier to use.
You can simply hide, deny access and change the security settings for your folders or files.
It has two versions: free and premium. The premium version costs $19.95 per year.

6. Folder Lock

Lock-A-Folder is one of the free file lockers that is incredibly easy to use.

All your important files will be encrypted and won't take up much space on your device.
It is compatible with Windows Vista and XP.
Also, it allows you to set or change a password using the "Change Master Password" option since you need a password to uninstall the tool.
You can still rename a folder even if it's locked.
It will automatically reset the lock if you forget to use it again.
The tool can also be used to hide folders.

7. Folder protection

While Folder Guard has many of the same features as the Folder Lock we mentioned earlier on this list, it's a completely different product. Click here to download a free locker folder for Windows 10.

Folder Guard can also encrypt and password protect external hard drives.
In addition, this tool allows you to disable control panels.
It is compatible with Windows
The fact that it uses military-grade encryption.
It also includes file backups to a password protected database, which is a great feature.
Moreover, it can protect your files from viruses and malware.
This program is one of the free folder lock for Windows 7/8/10/11 and business users.
You can also buy a licensed version of this tool for $199.95, which can be used both at home and in business.
This ensures that your files are protected from unauthorized access, hacking and cyber theft.

8. Secret disk

Secret Disk already stands out thanks to its reliable and intelligent automatic folder locking technology.

It is compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11.
You can easily password protect or make your data invisible on your local drive and external drives.
In addition, the application automatically locks your files when you close them or in the event of a power outage.
This PC folder locker allows you to create a private drive that can be hidden.
This tool is available in free and professional versions. The pro version costs $14.90 per year.

9. WinZip

WinZip is a fantastic application for encrypting your data, with the following important features:

Encrypting zipped or unzipped files is very easy with WinZip.
It is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 and Mac.
The tool is available for a 21-day free trial.
The software is available in three licensed versions: Standard (Rs 2596), Pro (Rs 4366) and Ultimate (Rs 9438).
The tool provides the strongest bank-grade encryption.
Your ciphers and passwords are completely under your control.
In addition to protecting your files, you can decompress and compress files.
In addition, you can back up your files to the cloud.

10. WinRAR

WinRAR, like WinZip before it, offers a very strong encryption scheme and the following notable features:

WinRAR makes it easy to encrypt your files and protect your data before it's sent through high-level encryption.
Individuals can use a verified signature and 256-bit password encryption to protect their data in transit.
The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD and Android.
It offers a free trial for 40 days.
In addition, a licensed version is available for $29 per user. The cost depends on the number of users and devices.
It is available in over 40 different languages.
The tool uses signature authentication technology to protect your files.
It can split archives into multiple volumes.

11. Wise folder hider

Wise Folder Hider is one of the best free folder locker for Windows 10, 8 and 7 to hide your private pictures, movies and data.

This program generates a second level password for a folder, drive or file on local drives and USB devices.
This gives you a safer and easier way to change password protected files.
It is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10.
It has two versions: free and Pro. The Pro version costs $29.95 per year.
It has an easy to use user interface and can encrypt files and directories up to 50MB in size.
You can easily hide a directory by simply right-clicking it.

12. File protection system

Next on the list is the file protection system. It is one of the best free folder lock software for PC with the following features:

This Windows-compatible program can encrypt files and directories.
This tool is free and available in various editions, depending on the use. Various editions: Free, Light, Standard, Semi-Professional, Professional and Enterprise.
It uses hashing algorithms such as Message Digest 5, RIPEMD-160, Secure Hash Algorithm 1. [SHA-1] and SHA-256 to convert data into an encryption code, turning your device into an encryption machine.
You can use the built-in email client to send and receive secure and personal information.
This allows you to create batches of files to archive or back up files or folders.

13. Crypt X

dcrypt X is a program that encrypts your private documents and has the following important features:

You can encrypt files and hard drive partitions with SnowFrost Engine Cryptography.
This free software is available for Windows 8.1 and 10.
You can easily lock and unlock files.
This tool provides a text preview of the file that can be edited.
You can make your work visible to a specific user.

14. Lock and hide folder

Lock & Hide Folder is a tool that makes it easy to protect your sensitive data and is one of the best free folder lockers for Windows 10 for the following reasons:

This allows you to use shortcuts to show or hide sensitive files.
Also, this tool blocks access to files from the command line.
In addition, you can permanently delete folders or directories.
It is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP/2000.
You will not be able to hack locked directories even after reinstalling Windows.
Blowfish's 256-bit encryption method is used to protect your files or folders.
This file storage tool automatically launches when you turn on your device.
Keep in mind that assigned shortcuts cannot access the files in the folder.
You can use the free version or the full version for $29.

15. Folder Lock Pro

Folder Lock Pro is a program to lock, hide and protect files and folders with the following important aspects:

This program has a user-friendly interface and prevents anyone from accessing the folder without first entering a password.
It is compatible with Windows 7 or above and Android.
This program will control and track your actions with folders and files.
You can back up your password by sending it to yourself.
You can also protect data on an external drive connected to a USB drive.
In addition, it offers password protection on LAN systems.
It is available in free version and Pro version for $1.99.

16. Free hide folder

Free Hide Folder is one of the best free folder locker for Windows 10 with the following important features:

This tool protects your files with a password and is free of viruses, malware and adware.
It is compatible with Windows.
The tool is available in multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese, and Arabic.
This tool has a simple and user-friendly user interface.
There is no need to change the structure of the file system.
This tool protects an unlimited number of folders at the same time.

17. Folder Protector

Folder Protector is a portable application that encrypts and protects data and folders on a USB drive or hard drive.

This tool uses 256-bit encryption to protect your files from being deleted, moved, or accessed by others.
Supported operating systems: Windows 7, 8 and 10.
It is available in English, French, Japanese, Russian and German, among other languages.
This program works with flash drives, flash drives, memory cards and other storage devices.
You don't need to install the tool to use it.
Moreover, this free tool protects your files or folders from malware attacks.

18. EXE locker

EXE Locker is a simple open source program that allows you to encrypt .exe files with the following notable features:

EXE Locker uses advanced encryption technology and AES-256 encryption to protect your folder or file.
It is Windows compatible and completely free.
You can securely convert your files to password-protected executables.
You can easily unlock any files without having to install a tool.
The steps involved in downloading Folder Locker for Windows 10 for free are simple and straightforward.
This tool is free from adware.
Alternatively, you can download the tool from GitHub or Dropbox.
You can also back up your files or folders.

19. AES crypt

AES Crypt is a simple password protected folder locker that has the following important features:

This folder lock for Windows 10 is free and open source.
The tool uses a 256-bit encryption algorithm to encrypt files.
You can use the command line interface.
The encryption file can be read by PHP and Java developers.
It is compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, Python, PHP, Java, Android and iOS.
You cannot access files or folders without knowing the password.
The tool is suitable for both business and home use.

20. My secret folder

My Secret Folder is one of the best free folder locker for Windows 10 and folder locker for Windows 7 that creates a hidden directory where you can protect your data from prying eyes.

The software allows you to quickly access folders anytime you need them.
The app will allow you to customize it to suit your specific needs.
It is compatible with Windows 7/8.1/10/11/Vista/XP.
You can configure this program in Windows Safe Mode to protect the folder.
It can clear the list of recently used documents and applications in the system.
This tool protects files or folders on FAT/FAT32 (File Allocation Table) and NTFS (New Technology File System) drives.
This tool is also available in three licensed versions: Home ($19.99/2 PCs), Professional ($39.99/3 PCs), and Office ($99.99/10 PCs).

21. Instant LOCK

Instant LOCK is another popular and effective folder lock app for Windows 7, 8 and 10, including the following features:

Instant Lock can instantly lock and hide your files and folders by requiring a password to access them.
This file protection program is compatible with all versions of Windows, from Windows NT to Windows 10.
It also prevents your files and directories from being deleted by anyone.
The file lock program can only be uninstalled and uninstalled by someone with the password.
The tool is available in various languages such as English, Korean, German, Arabic, Polish, Turkish, French and Italian.
This tool offers a free trial and the full version costs $19.99.

22. Castle

Padlock is a great alternative to Windows folder lock software and has the following important features:

It can protect both folders and files and add additional directories to them.
It is compatible with Windows 7/8/2000/XP/Vista/10.
You can easily add items by dragging them to the desired field.
You cannot remove or delete a password-protected file or folder unless it is unlocked.
It is one of the best programs on this list as it protects unlimited files from illegal deletion and ensures privacy.
This tool is available in five languages.
It's completely free.
It is portable and lightweight as it uses little CPU and RAM resources.

23. Personal folder

Private Folder is a free program for Windows that allows you to lock folders and makes its place on this list for the following reasons:

This will allow you to add multiple directories at once.
It is compatible with Windows 7/8/2000/Server 2008/2003/XP/Vista/10.
You can also create a master password to prevent unauthorized users from accessing or modifying the software.
You can set "Hide Folder" or "Lock Folder" options for your folders.
If no activity is detected in a certain folder, it will automatically be locked after a set period.
This allows you to open a locked folder without unlocking it from its original location.

24. Folder Lock A+

A+ Folder Locker is a free program that allows you to password protect folders and files on your device. Click here to download a free locker folder for Windows 10.

This program uses various encryption methods such as Blowfish, Serpent, DES and Ice.
It allows you to create a folder where you can save and protect your files or folders.
This tool will protect additional drives on your computer where you can store your files and folders.
It works on system from Windows NT to 10.
It allows you to lock with a password or pattern.
These lockers can be compressed into three levels: low, medium and high.
It includes a built-in hack protection system that allows you to choose the number of attempts required to enter the correct password.
The locker will self-destruct if someone enters a password that exceeds the set limit.
In addition, you can search for specific files and directories.
You can add files or folders by drag and drop.
This tool is available in a licensed trial that costs $34.95.

25. My safe

My Lockbox is another Windows folder password protection program that has the following features:

You can only lock one folder at a time.
It is compatible with Windows 7/8/XP/Vista/10.
It allows you to generate a password and a password hint to help you if you forget your password.
Its free version is for personal use only.
The tool is also available in other versions: My Lockbox Personal ($5.99/quarter/1 PC), My Lockbox Home ($11.99/quarter/5 PC), and My Lockbox Standard ($29.95/PC). US for 1 PC; one-time purchase).
My Lockbox Home can only be used at home, while Personal and Standard can only be used in the office.
Even after using this software to lock a folder, you can use its Trusted option to make that folder accessible to certain applications.
No additional requirements for installing the tool are required.
The interface is simple and easy to use.

26. PeñuLocker

PenyuLocker is a free folder lock for Windows 7 that makes its place on the list for the following reasons:

This is another program that allows you to block endless folders on your computer's hard drive or external drives.
But only one folder can be added at a time.
It is compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
By providing a password, you can use the lock option to protect your files and folders.
The unlock procedure is identical to the lock procedure; here you have to select the Unlock option instead of the Lock option.

27. Anvi Folder Blocker

Anvi Folder Locker is a security solution designed to help you manage and protect your important files.

You can lock your personal files to protect your privacy and you can password protect them.
Anvi folder locker download is compatible with Windows 7/8/XP/Vista/10.
This tool is completely free.
You can also apply permissions such as Lock, Read Only, and Hide to your files to prevent them from being edited, duplicated, or deleted.
You can hide confidential or secret documents.
In addition, you can set a password for a file or folder so that only users with the correct password can access it.
Online technical assistance is available 24/7.
The downsides of this app are the lack of cloud storage support and minimal security features.

28. Quick File Locker

If you are looking for a file protection tool that can hide sensitive data, lock sensitive files, and protect private photos, Quick File Locker is what you need. It is also one of the folder lockers for Windows 10 that you can download for free.

Quick File Locker is the best file locker compatible with Windows 7/8/2003/Vista/XP/10.
Quick Locker makes file locking extremely easy.
All you have to do is drag and drop files or use the context menu in Windows Explorer.
Its master password system protects your data.
The tool is available in over 39 languages.
You can use the free version or the full version for $9.

29. Lightweight file locker

Easy File Locker is another free folder lock for Windows 7 or Windows 10. It is a lightweight gadget with a powerful security feature and also has the following aspects:

Once the files are locked, no one will be able to view, access, delete, modify, rename or duplicate them.
It is compatible with Windows 7/8/Server 2008/Vista/10.
The tool will not affect the performance of your system.
It's pretty easy to use.
The tool is completely free.

30. Vault Explorer

Next on the list is Safehouse Explorer. It is one of the best free folder locker for Windows 10 and is widely used in US, UK and Brazil.

It is the best encryption tool for external and internal drives.
Some types such as photos, videos, texts, databases, etc. can be hidden and password protected using Twofish's 256-bit encryption technology.
This tool allows you to create unlimited storage up to 2 KB.
This tool is available in various languages such as English, Italian, Japanese, Korean, German, Chinese and Russian.
The tool is free and compatible with Windows 7/8/Vista/XP/2003/2008/Server 2012/10.
Unfortunately, this tool has issues integrating with Windows Explorer.

31. Advanced Folder Encryption

Advanced Folder Encryption is another software to encrypt files and folders on your system, which consists of the following features:

You can easily lock files, folders and local drives in two easy steps.
This tool uses AES 256-bit encryption technology to encrypt your files.
In addition, you can block external storage devices such as USB drives, memory cards, flash drives, flash drives, thumb drives, memory cards, and other portable drives.
The software is supported by Windows 8/7/Vista/2003/XP/2000/10.
You can set separate and unique passwords for each folder.
You can easily recover your password from the recovery center if you have forgotten your password.
This tool is available in multiple languages such as English, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, French and Russian.
This tool offers free email technical support.
The software is available for a free trial.
You can purchase other license versions such as Single User ($19.95/1 PC), Multi-User ($29.95/3 PC), and Site ($69.95; Unlimited PC).

32.7 Postcode

7 Zip is another folder locker for Windows 10 that you can download for free. It is an open source software that secures files and folders with a unique password and consists of the following reasons:

This tool uses strong AES 256-bit encryption to protect your files and folders.
This tool is available in over 87 languages including English, German, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, French and Chinese.
Alternatively, you can share the password via text message or email.
The software is compatible with Windows 8/7/Vista/XP/2000/2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/10.
The interface is simple and easy to use.

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We hope this article was helpful for the best free folder lock software for Windows 7, 8 or 10. Tell us your favorite tool from the list. Leave your questions or suggestions, if any, in the comments section below. Also, let us know what you would like to know next.