Users can still view a list of the files within a compressed file. However, password protection for the compressed files is not possible without the use of a third-party software program. Windows Vista and Windows 7 users - Windows Vista and Windows 7 includes a compression utility. This utility can also be used to compress and password protect files. Windows ME and Windows XP users - Windows ME and Windows XP comes with a compression utility. When the archive is created, you can encrypt the contents by specifying a password. Other security solutions for protecting your files and folders in Windowsįile and folders not frequently used - An easy way to password protect files is to create an archive of the files using a compression tool. If you want to encrypt folders outside of this folder, see the other security solutions section below. You cannot encrypt any folders outside of this folder. For example, if your name is Bob, you must encrypt the following folder, or a folder within it: The folder you are attempting to encrypt is your folder.The hard drive must be formatted in NTFS and not FAT32 file system.Check the box Make this folder private.įor this option to work on Microsoft Windows XP Home edition, you must meet the below requirements.Right-click the file or folder and click Properties.Select the file or folder you want to encrypt.I'm missing Show Encrypt on the context menu in TweakUI.This option should be below Prefix 'shortcut to' on new shortcuts and above Show 'View workgroup computers' in NetPlaces. In the right side of the window under Settings, locate Show 'Encrypt' on the context menu and check the box.In the TweakUI window, select Explorer.The newest version of TweakUI also enables you to show the Encrypt option in the context menu. If you are using the Home edition of Microsoft Windows XP, see the Windows XP Home steps. Encrypt contents to secure data is grayed out However, other user accounts on your computer can't access files contained in the encrypted folder. You won't be prompted to enter a password when encrypting a folder in Windows XP Professional.