One of the most basic security steps for computer users to protect their privacy and secure their private data is to password-protect folders. However, this process is done with different tools or methods depending on the operating system. In this guide, we explain in detail how to password-protect a folder in Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, both with local solutions and with third-party tools.

1. Password Protecting Folders in Windows

A. Encryption with ZIP (Easy Method)

Right-click on the folder you want to password-protect
Select "Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder"
Open the resulting ZIP file > From the top menu, select "File > Encrypt with password" (can be done with WinRAR or 7-Zip)

✅ With 7-Zip:

Right-click on the folder > "7-Zip > Add to archive"
Enter your password in the "Set Password" section
Check the "Encrypt file names" box

B. BitLocker (for Windows Pro and Enterprise)

The folder you want to password-protect must be on an external disk/USB drive
Right-click on the drive > "Turn on BitLocker"
Enter your password and start encryption

C. Third-Party Tools

Folder Lock
Wise Folder Hider
Gilisoft File Lock Pro

2. Password Protecting Folders in macOS (with Disk Utility)

Although folders cannot be directly password-protected in macOS, they can be protected by converting them into .DMG (encrypted disk image).

Steps:

Open the "Disk Utility" application
From the menu: "File > New Image > Image from Folder"
Select the folder you want to encrypt
Encryption: 128-bit AES
Image format: "read/write"
Set a password and save → A .dmg file is created that can only be opened by entering the password

This method is fully compatible with the system and secure.

3. Methods for Password Protecting Folders in Linux

A. Encryption with zip command (Terminal)

zip -re hidden_folder.zip hidden_folder/

Asks you to enter a password, then creates an encrypted zip file.

B. ecryptfs-utils (Ubuntu/Debian based systems)

sudo apt install ecryptfs-utils
mkdir hidden
sudo mount -t ecryptfs hidden hidden

After setting a password, it is mounted so that it can only be accessed with the password

C. GUI-based solutions with EncFS or VeraCrypt

VeraCrypt: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Creates a special encrypted folder (container) that can only be accessed with a password

Extra Security Tips

Choose a strong password: Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols
Protect backups of encrypted folders as well
Antiviruses can sometimes target hidden folders: Create safe areas

✅ Conclusion

Whether you are using Windows, Mac, or Linux, encrypting your folders is important for data security. You can perform this process safely and practically with built-in tools (Disk Utility, BitLocker, Terminal) or with applications such as 7-Zip and VeraCrypt.