Compressing multiple files into a zip file is a convenient way because it squeezes files down to make them easier to transfer. To keep your compressed files and folders safe, you can also add password protection to them. Here comes a question – how to password protect Zip files? Take it easy! This is a pretty easy job! Without further ado, let’s dive right into it!
How to Password Protect Compressed Folders on Windows 10/11?
Way 1: How to Password Protect Compressed Folders via Encrypting File System
Encrypting File System (EFS) can encrypt zipped data and provide a decryption key for opening it. Follow these steps to password protect Zip files and folders:
Step 1. Right-click on the compressed folder you want to encrypt and select Properties from the context menu.
Step 2. Under the General tab, click on Advanced.
Step 3. Check Encrypt contents to secure data and hit OK to save the changes.
Step 4. In Encryption Warning, either tick Encrypt the file and its parent folder (recommended) or Encrypt the file only.
Way 2: How to Password Protect Compressed Folders via WinRAR
Usually, you can use WinRAR to zip or unzip files, but it also allows you to encrypt the compressed folders. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Open the compressed file in WinRAR.
Step 2. Click on Tools and select Convert Archives from the context menu. (You can also access the content archives window by pressing Alt + Q.)
Step 3. Click on Compression and then hit Set password.
Step 4. Enter & verify your password and then confirm the operation.
Way 3: How to Password Protect Compressed Folders via 7-Zip
7-Zip is another program that enables you to manage your compressed folders and files. Therefore, you can also utilize this tool to password protect your zip folders. To do so:
Step 1. Right-click on the folders or files you want to encrypt and select 7-Zip > Add to archive.
Step 2. Under the Encryption section, enter and re-enter your password.
Step 3. Save the changes.
Bonus Tip: Better Way to Protect Your Compress Folders and Files
In addition to password protection, there’s another way to secure your data – create backups of your important data. With a backup copy in hand, you can easily restore your data when your computer suffers from severe system issues. To do so, it is a good idea to try MiniTool ShadowMaker.
This is a free Windows backup software that supports backing up files, folders, disks, partitions, and systems with just a few simple steps. What’s more, it allows you to sync files and clone hard drives. Now, let’s see how to create a backup with this tool.
Step 1. Run MiniTool ShadowMaker and go to the Backup page.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2. Go to SOURCE > Folders and Files to select the files or folders you want to protect. To select a storage path for the backup image files, go to DESTINATION.
Step 3. MiniTool ShadowMaker allows you to password protect your backup images. This will add an extra protection layer for your data. To do so: click on Options > Backup Options > Password.
Step 4. Toggle on Enable Password Protection > enter and confirm your password > select a Data Encryption type > click on OK to return to the Backup page.
Step 5. Click on Back Up Now to start the process at once.
Final Words
How to password protect a Zip file on Windows 10/11? There are three free methods for you: Encrypting File System, WinRAR, and 7-Zip. Also, it is a good habit for you to create backups of crucial data regularly.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Aurelie is a passionate soul who always enjoys researching & writing articles and solutions to help others. Her posts mainly cover topics related to games, data backup & recovery, file sync and so on. Apart from writing, her primary interests include reading novels and poems, travelling and listening to country music.