Folder Locking Solutions

I am looking for some suggestions for some folder locking software , free or paid , it doesn't matter.

The software does not necessarily have to "hide" the folders but is is very important that the folders are inaccessible.

I know when using a lot of this type of software even though most companies boast that the folders are inaccessible or are encrypted when in reality the folders can be accessed via the command prompt or in safe mode . I am looking for something that will make the folder completely inaccessible.

All suggestions are welcomed.

BTW, I already know Bitlocker is an option but I would rather not encrypt an entire drive just to secure one or two folders.

You can use Bitlocker on a per folder basis and pair it with a certificate that has a password. It would be lengthy to explain

the following covers it.
How to encrypt a single file or folder in Windows 10 [Tip] | dotTech

you might want to do the procedure on a copy first just to make sure that it works else you may brick the data if it goes wrong.

Malneb said:

You can use Bitlocker on a per folder basis and pair it with a certificate that has a password. It would be lengthy to explain

the following covers it.
How to encrypt a single file or folder in Windows 10 [Tip] | dotTech

you might want to do the procedure on a copy first just to make sure that it works else you may brick the data if it goes wrong.

Thanks for the info Malneb!

I guess the only question I would have concerning this method is that in the event I decide to ever convert over to Windows 11 would the encryption follow or would I have to decrypt and then re-encrypt the files / folders after converting?

I've locked folders by using WinZip to compress them then assign a password to open the file. Also possible to create a self-extracting .exe file that could be passworded.