If you have your own PC, it's quite natural to have multiple private files and folders on it. We lock up our PC as a whole, but we don't regret lending it to our friends when they ask. It's all good as long as they use it to browse the web or watch movies, which is fine for you. If you are concerned about your private data being exposed, let me tell you that there are also ways to lock specific files and folders. If you search the web, there are a number of third-party folder blocking apps that can help you. But most of them use the internet connection, which may not always be available.
So how can you prevent other people from seeing your private data? These are some tricks that can be explored if you are a Windows 10 user. Here I provide two different methods to meet our needs.
METHOD 1: Encrypt the files on your system.
Encryption is the process by which normal data is transferred in a format that other people cannot read easily. This is usually done in the case of passwords to prevent theft. In Windows, files are encrypted by associating them with an encryption key. But these files can be easily opened and sent by applying your password, then they will be decrypted. Locking files using this method is only available to Windows Pro users. Let's see how it's done.
1 STEP
Right click on the folder you want to lock and choose the option Property from the menu.
I want to protect the folder called s7 compiler lab. So I choose it.
2 STEP
In the window that appears, choose the option Advanced as shown in the screenshot below.
PHASE 3
Again a window opens. Here you will find an option that says: Encrypt content to protect data in the Compress and Encrypt attributes. Check the box to its left and click ok button.
PHASE 4
To add more users to view the file, you need to click Detail in the current window. The User Login window opens where you can add new users by clicking Inserisci button as shown below.
METHOD 2: create new users and associate file permissions.
Just create a user account for the person who would like to have your PC. After that you can choose the files and folders you don't want them to see and finally deny the permissions to access them.
1 STEP
To create a new user account, open the file Control Panel and choose the User Accounts option from the window.
2 STEP
In the next window, still towards the right panel, you will find the User Accounts option. Clicking on it will open the window shown below. Choose the option Manage another account from here.
PHASE 3
In the next window you will find the option Add a new user in the PC settings. Click on it.
PHASE 4
Once it opens in Settings, choose the option Add someone else to the PC and finalize the process of creating a new account.
PHASE 5
Now, put all the data to be protected in a folder, right click on the folder and choose Property.
I have chosen my Documents folder in which to insert all the data.
PHASE 6
In the window that appears, choose the file Safety tab, under which you will find the option Change.
PHASE 7
In the window that opens, you will find an Add option. Click on it to add the newly created user account. Click on the option Check the names press the OK button. Your username in the correct path format will be displayed on the screen. Now hit the Ok button.
PHASE 8
Now, allow all file permissions while selecting this user from the list.
Finally, deny rest permissions to all users (All other users) and press the key To apply button. That is.
That is. Now you don't have to fear for the safety of your private data. Hope you found this article helpful!
