By default, Windows Operating systems do not allow you to lock individual folders with passwords. This means you can not password protect folders without the help of any third-party tools in Windows. However, in Windows, there is an option to hide the folder, but it is no so useful.
Free Hide Folder
Free Hide Folder is compatible with Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7/8 operating systems. When you run it for the first time, it will provide an option to set the password. Once the password is set for the tool, you are free to protect your files and folder. When you hide or unhide any files/folders, it will ask to re-enter the password.
Lock-A-Folder
Lock-A-folder is another free software that can be used to protect files/folders with passwords. Just like other folder locking tools, you need to set up a master password in its first run. Once you have set the master password, you are free to protect the files/folders with a password.
Once you have set the master password, you cannot uninstall it without the secret password.
Unfortunately, the developer has abandoned the project, meaning you won’t get any updates in the future, and also you will not get any replies to any queries.
HiddenDIR
HiddenDIR is another small freeware tool that helps you to protect your privacy by hiding in a few moves your private files/ folders. It will make invisible to anyone who has access to your PC, hidden folders visible only if you have access to the program that you can save in any directory or USB device.
SecretFolder
SecretFolder can also be used for hiding / password protecting the files / folders from another users. It supports 32 bit / 64-Bit operating system as well as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT and FAT volumes are supported. It is also free to use and comes with easy user interface.
