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Best privacy lock software for Windows 7 PCs
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Most of us don’t really worry about thedatawe save on ourPCsor laptops and would not even considerprotecting it. Not protecting ourdatacan cause serious issues – losing files forever, valuable information stolen, etc.
There is also the possibility that your friends or family accidentally delete files when using your computer. Or there is even the possibility of getting attacked by hackers with the aim of stealing and manipulating your personaldata.
Windows 7doesn’t give you the option to lock individual folders with passwords without installing third party software. Even thought there is an option to hide folders onWindows 7, it has little to no use because of the fact that the folder can easily be un-hidden and accessed.
In this article, we will explore the top five folder locker software available forWindows 7to hide your files from prying eyes.
5 tools to protect your files and folders on Windows 7
FolderLock
Folder Lockwas designed to offer you the capability to protect your files and folders byencrypting them, using online backup features, etc. Using this software allows you to evenshred filesand also clear your history.
This app offers two-way encryption allowing you to backup your encrypted files in the cloud. This feature lets you create a password protected backup so that the information is secured and protected at all times. With this feature you canrestore your dataeven if yourPC gets stolenor if files get deleted.
One of the best features of FolderLock is that it offers you the possibility to create digital wallets. You can store information such as banking details, credit cards, transactions, ATM pin, etc.
Sometimes we need to get rid of a file for good, and the Shred feature found in FolderLock can do just that. Using this optiondeletes your files permanentlyfrom your hard disk and can’t be recovered even by using specialized recovery software.
AxCrypt
AxCryptwas born in 2001 when the creators wanted to share confidential data online, and couldn’t find a good option of software. They created this tool to be simple and easy to use but also powerful.
Key features include:
To set up AxCrypt on your Windows 7 PC, you will need to download and install it, then create an account. To finish the process, you need to choose a password after entering the activation code.
AxCrypt is very easy to use. You need to select one or more files that you would like to encrypt, and right-click on it. If you want to open files for viewing you can double click them.
AxCrypt has a built-in Key Sharing feature that allows you to share your secured files with other. In order to do so, you have to follow these simple steps :
AxCrypt’s also has a password manager that gives you the power to store all your passwords and codes online, without risking losing them forever.
Download AxCrypt
Easy File Locker
Easy File Lockeris a light weight file lock software that canprotect your files and folderwith ease. This software allows you to have peace of mind knowing that nobody can open, read or modify yourlocked foldersin any way.
Easy File Locker can also hide files and folders.The hidden files/folders will be totally invisible to all users and to any program.
This software comes with a password protected GUI and uninstaller so that once you set a password, no one will be able to access it or uninstall the software.
Download Easy File Locker
File Lock PEA
This program is another light-weight tool for password protection and encryption of your files and folders.
File Lock PEAis written inJavawhich means that you need a Java Runtime Environment — that is already installed on your PC in most cases.
File PEA encrypts files and folders with powerful encryption. This program allows you to protect you anonymity and private data by using it’s efficient memory-hard key derivations.
This option of software is designed to handle several files or folders – it is not suitable for large amounts of data.
Download File Lock PEA
My Lockbox
My Lockboxis another great security software that enables you to password protect any folder on your computer.
The protected folders are automatically hidden from any user and application of your system includingAdministratorand System itself.
This program is extremely easy to use. After you set the lockbox location on your PC and added a password, Lockbox will be hidden and inaccessible until you’ve entered the valid password.
Key features include:
Download My Lockbox
Conclusion
In this article, we listed 5 software options that allow you to lock your files and folders away from prying eyes. The tools presented here cover both complex and simple programs that encrypt the data on your Windows 7 PC.
These options can even backup your data online giving you unlimited access to your files.
What software did you choose to use from this list and why? Let us know in the comment section bellow.
Speaking of keeping your computer safe from prying eyes, you can also check out our series of guides on thebest privacy software and hardware solutionsto use today.
Important note:Microsoft officially ended Windows 7 support. As a result, some of the tools listed above may not run properly on this OS version. If you’re planning to upgrade to Windows 10, make sure to check outour wide collection of guideson how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
More about the topics:Cybersecurity,privacy,windows 7
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
