Generally, to hide files and folders, most Windows users change the attributes of the marked file or folder. However, that’s not always enough to safeguard your most important data. Therefore, we are going to share you three best ways which will allow you to create a password-protected drive in Windows. Now you can create a secret hidden disk in your Windows PC with the hidden disk tool to create a password protected hidden drive where you can easily store any important data secretly.
Generally, to hide files and folders, most Windows users change the attributes of the marked file or folder. No doubt, this will protect the data, but its main drawback is anyone can access your hidden files and folders with a click of one or two. So, to overcome this drawback, you can protect your files and folders with one such free application i.e. Hidden Disk. It’s an easy task to hide files and folders and protect your password too. And that is explained in below guide. So, have a look at complete guide discussed below to proceed.
Also Read: How to Share Windows Folders with Android Over LAN
How To Create Password-Protected Drive in Windows
This method is quite straightforward, and you just need the Hidden Disk the freeware tool that will help you in the below guide, so download the tool and proceed with the steps below.
Steps To Create Password-Protected Drive in Windows:
Step 1. First of all, download and install Hidden Disk on your computer
Create Password-Protected Drive
Step 2. When an installation is finished, launch it using the desktop shortcut. To create a hidden disk by using arrow buttons present at the top right corner select the drive letter of your choice and select “Create Disk” button.
Create Password-Protected Drive
Step 3. When you click on “Create Disk” button, a Hidden disk will show you a warning dialog box that instructs you, not to format or reinstall Windows because data stored in the hidden disk will be lost. This is because the software will create space i.e. hidden container in your Windows Installation Drive. When you reinstall or format, it will backup all your files and folders. To continue your process, click on “I Will Remember” button.
Create Password-Protected Drive
Step 4. Your hidden disk will be created, and it will appear as a separate division in the File Explorer. You can open and can add multiple files and folders depending on the disk size.
Create Password-Protected Drive
Step 5. Once you have added-on records and folders, click on the “Disable Disk” button, and this will remove the hidden drive from the File Explorer.
Create Password-Protected Drive
Step 6. In future, if you want to access your hidden container, simply launch the application and select the drive letter and select “Create Disk” button. This will open your hidden disk, and you can now easily access your files and folders.
Step 7. You can apply password on your hidden disk so that no one can see your details and can mess with your hidden drive. For this, on the main window, click on the link “Create or Update Password.” Enter your new password and email address and click on the “Create Password” button.
Create Password-Protected Drive
From now onwards, when you want to open the Hidden Disk application, it will ask you for the password. If in any case, you forget your password, click on the link “Recover Password by Email” to receive a new password through email.
Create Password-Protected Drive
Also Read: Windows 10 Tips, Tricks and Hacks
Using BitLocker
BitLocker is a free tool that comes with Windows operating system. BitLock lets you encrypt an entire hard drive for enhanced security. Here’s how you can use BitLocker to create password protect drive on Windows.
Step 1. First of all, right click on the hard drive that you want to password protect. From the right-click menu, you need to select the option “Turn On BitLocker”
Using BitLocker
Step 2. Now in the next window, you need to select “Use Password to unlock the drive and then enter your password and confirm it. Click on Next to continue.
Using BitLocker
Step 3. In the next window, you will be asked to choose how you want to back up your recovery key. There you can choose between three options.
Using BitLocker
Step 4. Now you will be asked to choose how much of your drive you want to encrypt. There you need to select the option “Encrypt Entire Drive” and click Next.
Using BitLocker
Step 5. Now you will see a confirmation message. There you need to click on “Start”
Using BitLocker
That’s it, you are done! Now you will need the password to unlock that drive.
Using File Secure Free
File Secure free is basically a free tool which can help you to safeguard your most important data. The tool allows users to password-protect files, folders, or drives to avoid data theft. The tool works in a different manner, it first creates a backup, encrypts selected files, folders and then password protects an external drive.
The best thing about File Secure Free is that you can also use the tool to password protect any Windows drive. The interface of the tool is pretty clean and you will just see four functions in tabbed selectors on the left. Simply, choose the one you want and then perform the designated activity.
Suppose, you want to password protect a folder or drive, simply click on ‘File Encrypter’ and then browse the folder or drive which you want to password protect. Once done, you need to enter the password everytime to access the locked drive or folder.
So, its a great tool for all Windows users who want a solid and easy way to protect their data. The great thing is that users don’t need to invest any money to password protect any files, folders or drive.
So, this was all about How to Create Password-Protected Drive in Windows. As you watch the app is not a foolproof way, it hides your files and folders and protects your password from anyone who can crack your password. It doesn’t encrypt the hidden container but protects your sensitive data. So, give a try to this application as it is free and easy to use.
