password protect a file/folder without encrypting it


  1. wpcoe
    Posts : 124
    Win10 Pro (20H2, v.2)
       New #1

    password protect a file/folder without encrypting it


    I have an external USB hard drive on which I'd like to password protect some folders/files, but be able to access from multiple computers. As I understand Windows encryption, that will only work for the original user on the original hardware, no?

    I'd love to protect the file/folder without third party software, but if that's the way to go, I'm open to recommendations. I assume all computers would have to have that software installed?
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  3. Berton
    Posts : 13,987
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       New #2

    For single files besides using .zip there are full PDF programs that can create and protect files, need a password to open, edit, print, etc. The free Readers are limited.
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  4. wpcoe
    Posts : 124
    Win10 Pro (20H2, v.2)
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Thanks. Many of the files aren't text-type files: things like configuration files, graphics, executables, etc., so don't think .PDF would work, though I admit, I hadn't thought about that!
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  6. Samuria
    Posts : 8,099
    windows 10
       New #4

    Winrar can do it do you have pro How to Password Protect a Folder on Your Windows PC

    Protect folders The Best Files Protection Tool - IObit Protected Folder Windows 10
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  7. wpcoe
    Posts : 124
    Win10 Pro (20H2, v.2)
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Thanks.

    I had an issue withWinRAR (it was a while ago, but still...) so I'm a little reluctant to use it, but I downloaded the free trial (20 free uses) version of Protected Folder, and on first glance it seems to be what I want. It definitely should do fine for a trip I'm taking this week, and if it does what it says, I'll probably invest $20 to get the licensed version.
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