Do you want to encrypt and password-protect your important files and folders? Then, check out the best 10 folder encryption software for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and XP. With the best free folder encryption software, you can protect your data with simple steps.
If you want to keep your data safe, encryption is the only solution for you. Encryption protects your sensitive data against cyber threats and helps to comply with local or international security standards. File encryption is a data encoding method to transfer or store files safely. Thus, you will be required to use folder encryption software to prevent your data from tampering or unauthorized access.
However, if you don't know what folder encryption software is and which software will better help you secure your data, let's walk through this guide till the end. Here you will meet the top 10 folder encryption software that can keep all threats away from your data. So, let's get started.
File or folder encryption software is a program that uses cryptology to protect your sensitive data against unauthorized access. The software aligns the data movement to secure the folder content and eliminates all types of vulnerabilities around it.
The encryption software also allows you to protect vital information from prying eyes and only allows access with a proper decryption key. The software uses various components to secure your data, such as:
As you figured out how folder encryption software can protect your data, now you must be excited to encrypt your files and folders. However, you must also be confused as there is so many great folder encryption software available in the market.
So, for your convenience, we did market research and shortlisted the top 10 folder encryption software for Windows users in 2022. Here are the best programs to encrypt your files or folders:
EaseUS LockMyFile is a complete data security system that protects, hides, and locks your drives, files, or folders. Using this software, you can hide or lock your external drive or local disk with a click. The software allows you to encrypt your files and folders into GFL or EXE format with an AES encryption algorithm. Thus, no one without your permission can access, delete or move your data.
Step 1. Enter "easeus" to launch EaseUS LockMyFile, register with a valid email and a license code.
Step 2. Click File Encryption under More Tools > Click Add Files or Add Folders.
Step 3. Select important files or folders that you need to encrypt, and click Open.
Step 4. Select the encryption mode: Encrypt to gfl or Encrypt to exe.
Step 5. Browse a safe location on your PC, rename the encrypted file or folder, and click Save to save the encrypted files/folders.
Here you can use these easy steps to use EaseUS LockMyFile to encrypt files and folders on your computer:
BitLocker is an easy-to-use Microsoft software designed to protect information present on a device in case of theft or loss. It is a proprietary Windows encryption software that helps you encrypt your entire drive and prevent unauthorized system changes such as firewall-level malware.
The software is available on all the leading Windows versions, except Windows 11. Additionally, to use BitLocker, you need a PC running on the storage drive with at least two partitions and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The TPM is a special chip that runs an authentication check on your software, hardware, and firmware. If you don't have TPM on your system, you can't use BitLocker.
Folder Lock is an AES 256-bit military-grade encryption or lock system. It can fully encrypt your files or folders with 2-way encryption and backup.
The software is designed to lock and hide files within seconds. It also enables you to password protect and restrict unwanted access to your files and drives. Once you lock a folder using the software, it will only be accessible through the software interface.
LastPass is a digital password management tool that can fully secure your digital fingerprints. It is an auto-pilot password management software with a simple login and log-out module.
Basically, LastPass can handle all your passwords like shopping sites, files, folders, or other digital passwords. It also detects your password strength based on duplicate, weak, old, or compromised. If your password isn't up to the bar, LastPass will send you an email to make your password stronger. Overall, if you want to effectively manage your passwords, LastPass is a great tool for you.
AxCrypt is an easy-to-download and folder encryption software. It is open-source software that can secure your files, documents, and data on both public and private domains. If you often collaborate with different people and have to create various digital passwords, AxCrypt offers all core security features, including editing encrypted files, password generation, storage, and more.
CryptoForge is another nice folder encryption software that Windows users can try in 2022. The software comes with a variety of encryption, data security, and many other tools. CryptoForge has robust file encryption and decryption features to securely transfer your files if you frequently have to share data on the internet.
Avast is a big name in the antimalware industry. But it is seventh on this list because it's not a dedicated folder encryption software. It provides wholesome data security and antivirus solutions, and encryption here is a very small part of the entire package. However, it is free software for personal use and comes with excellent antimalware, antivirus, phishing protection, online security, and more.
SensiGuard is a modern yet simple-to-use folder encryption software that can encrypt all your data. It can also protect your private information and provide safety against online identity theft. The software uses 256-bit AES encryption that you can access without any technical knowledge. All in all, SensiGuard is a fast and simple software for file encryption.
7-Zip is a free and open-source data encryption software. Most software codes are registered under the GNU LGPL license, which allows you to customize the program according to your needs. Besides the AES level encryption, 7-Zip can zip files in multiple formats on your computers like 7Z, XZ, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, ZIP, and many others.
VeraCrypt is another free folder encryption software with military-grade level encryption. It is open-source software that you can use for free, but it does not have an intuitive interface. However, this can be compensated with multiple device support and high-end security standards.
Can't decide which folder encryption software is the best for you? Well, all these tools are very useful and powerful in their own way. So, it is common to feel confused.
However, to clear your confusion, it is recommended to ask yourself a few basic questions to find the best folder encryption software. Here this table will better help you find a suitable folder encryption software:
Point to Consider | EaseUS LockMyFile | BitLocker | Folder Lock | LastPass | AxCrypt | CryptoForge |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What operating systems are supported? | Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 | Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 | Windows, iOS and Android | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux | Windows and Mac | Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 |
Is the software available under your budget? | Free trial with three lucrative pricing options — $29.95/month, $49.95/year and $69.95 for lifetime | It’s cost $100 additional to your Microsoft Windows | No free trial. One time cost $39.95 | Free basic version. Paid version starts from $4/month | Free encryption for Windows users. For Mac users, $3.75/month | Free basic version. Single plan starts from $39.70 |
Does the program support military grade encryption? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How much technology training is required to use the tool? | Beginner level | Beginner level | Beginner level | Beginner level | Beginner level | Technical level |
Can you create a strong password with the program? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Can you encrypt external drives? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/D |
We hope that this guide has helped you find the best folder encryption software suiting your needs. Overall, all 10 folder encryption software are very nice with the military grade level encryption system. Thus, you should evaluate your system requirements and encryption needs to select the suitable tool.
If you have doubts or want to try EaseUS LockMyFile, you can contact us anytime.
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