Remember you should never encrypt System folders.
If you need to password protect your files and folders in Windows 7, we can use some great freeware to do so easily. We can download various Encryption programs to keep our personal stuff and valuable data safe. While there exists a plethora of these freeware for Windows 7, some that will definitely suit your requirements are mentioned here. Read to find more about them.
Free File Encryption Software for Windows
AxCrypt AxCrypt is the leading open-source file encryption software for Windows. It allows you to password protect any number of files using strong AES – 128 File Encryption.
The program requires no configuration, simply install and use it. It allows Right-click integration with Windows Explorer so; one can easily encrypt individual files in Windows. Also, it features Double-click integration for opening, editing and saving the protected files.
The program though free for use is a donationware and the author encourages users to make donation of $5 and upwards.
AxCrypt Key Features:
• Seamless integration with Windows Explorer
• Multiple languages support
• Extensive command-line interface for scripting and programming
idoo File Encryption Idoo File Encryption is feature-rich software that helps you lock and hide batch files in order to prevent unwanted access. The program is capable of encrypting most file formats such as Microsoft Office documents, BMP images, JPG / JPEG photos, GIF picture files, PDF files, mp4 videos, mp3 music and much more.
It, while encrypting asks you to create a master password and also demands for an email address, just in case you forget the password. The feature-rich program does offer a good range of options, even with its free version. It includes an easy-to-use interface with good file encryption facility. Simply add the items you want with the “Add” buttons, and check the ones you want to protect before hitting the Action button.
Note: Although idoo File Encryption hides a folder from the desktop, it will still be visible and accessible via System Explorer.
Idoo Encryption Free key Features:
• User-friendly interface
• Password-protection for data
• AES Encryption to pack and encrypt a folder into portable executable file
Remember you should never encrypt System folders.
TrueCrypt The free program is open-source disk encryption software for Windows 7, Mac OS X, and Linux. With this program, the desired data automatically gets encrypted and decrypted, soon after it is loaded, requiring no user intervention.
The encrypted data can then be stored in files (containers) or partitions (devices). Once stored, the encrypted volume cannot be read (decrypted) without using the correct password/keyfile(s) or correct encryption keys.
The developer of the program claims the only way to recover your files if you forget the password is to ‘crack’ the password or the key. This however can take time (depending on the length and quality of the password or keyfiles),
The freeware program includes useful tips in the extensive help manual and volume-creation wizard that guide you all the way long.
Features of TrueCrypt:
• Very simple to use program
• Creates encrypted hard drive and mounts it
• Allows automatic encryption
• Uses encryption algorithms such as: AES-256, Serpent, Twofish
• Allows holding authorization keys on a USB stick
Ways to secure the encrypted data using TrueCrypt:
1. With a password
2. With a special key
3. With both a password and a key
FlashCrypt FlashCrypt ensures good data security. The free program allows you to lock any folder on your computer with military-grade 256-bit AES algorithm in just couple of mouse clicks. Even the US Government admits the encryption method used by Flash Crypt is sufficient to protect classified information up to TOP SECRET level.
After a hassle free and quick installation the program displays a folder drop-down menu of Windows Explorer with the following command ‘Protect with FlashCrypt’. So, to protect the desired folder simply select it, right-click on it, add a password and choose the command.
Besides the data encryption, FlashCrypt can optionally compress your files. This saves disk space to a great extent and therefore makes the program so special. Also, FlashCrypt provides optional facility for recovering forgotten password.
FlashCrypt Key Features:
• Password recovery option
• Data mobility
• Optional data compression
1 Second Folder Encrypt Free The program’s advanced encryption technology helps you protect all the computer data easily. When a folder is encrypted with 1 Second Folder Encryption, it cannot be accessed or copied. Also, neither it can be deleted nor moved nor renamed. In short, it helps keep the folder safe from people who might want to see it.
2 Key Features:
1. One-click Encryption and Decryption
2. Password setting for the software
Remember you should never encrypt System folders.
