To protect multiple files from prying eyes, not necessarily to put a password to run the system. Sometimes it is much easier to block only the selected folder.
How to put a password on a folder in Windows
In Windows, there is no built-in functions for this task. But you can use free software from third-party developers. Consider as an example archiver 7-Zip and utility Anvide Seal Folder.
Using 7-Zip
7-Zip archives folder encrypts its contents and blocks access to it with a password. Surely you are already using this program. If not, download the 7-Zip from the official site. If you prefer a different archive, then most likely, it can be used to put a password on a folder in the same way.
After you install the archiver right-click on the desired folder and select 7-Zip → «Add to archive".
In the window that appears, under the item "Encryption", enter the password and re-combination. Check "Encrypt file names" and click OK.
After that, the program will create a copy of the folder as an encrypted file, the contents of which can be viewed only after entering a password. The original folder, which was left without protection, remove.
In the same way 7-Zip allows you to password-protect any selected file.
7-Zip →
With Anvide Seal Folder
If you do not want to mess with the file, you can set a password directly on the folder itself using Anvide Seal Folder program. This utility encrypts the contents of selected folders and hide them from prying eyes. Protected containers thus can only be opened through Anvide Seal Folder interface after entering the password.
The program is very easy to use. Clicking on the plus, you can choose the path to the desired folder or several containers alternately. After that, the Anvide Seal Folder main menu displays a list of folders added. To put on one or more of them the password to allocate enough of them, click on the lock and follow the prompts utilities. You can also set a password to log on Anvide Seal Folder.
Anvide Seal Folder →
How to put a password on a folder in macOS
In macOS can do without third-party programs. The system allows you to create so-called image folder, which is an encrypted copy of it. All files are saved in this way, they are under password protection.
To create such an image, click the "Disk Utility" ( "Program» → «Tools» → «Disk Utility").
Click "File» → «new image» → «The image from folder" and navigate to the folder that you want to protect.
Enter an image name and specify a location on your computer where you store it, along with the password to access its contents. As encryption select 128 or 256 bits, and in "image format" - "Read / Write". After the save.
Open the created image, enter a password and make sure that all the files on the site.
Delete the original folder. Now, instead of it you can use the protected way.
See also:
- How to put a password on Windows, remove it and reset, if you forget →
- Guide for the paranoid: how to avoid surveillance and data theft →
- How to unlock the phone if you forget the password, PIN or pattern →