How to password protect your folders in Windows

You want to protect your folders or files from others, such as when using a shared computer at work or school by example.
Sadly Microsoft has removed password protection for opening folders from your session since Windows 8. This means that if you accidentally forget to log off, anyone can open your folder and the files in it.
However, if that person logs on from another session, or if they export your protected files to another computer, they won't be able to open them.

If you want to use a password to open your files, you'll need to use third-party software, the easiest way is to use options like 7-Zip or WinRAR.

• First, locate your folder or your file, then right-click on it and select Properties.

• This will open a window, from here, click on Advanced... at the bottom right of the window.

• We finally get the window we're interested in. In this window, check the box "Encrypt content to protect data" and click OK.

• Once you've done this, you are back to the Properties window, now click Apply.
  
• A pop up message should appear asking if you want to backup only the folder or all subfolders and files within it as well.
  We recommend that you choose to apply it to the entire contents of the folder.

• The process may take some time if it's a folder with many files. When finished, a small padlock appears on the folder icon along with all its files.