How to Create a Password-Protected Folder in Windows with One Click 🔒

Want to hide your personal files in Windows without installing any fancy software or spending a dime? Here’s a super simple, super effective trick using a batch script (.bat) that lets you create a folder called Private and lock or unlock it with a password in just a few clicks. 

Whether it's your personal photos, work documents, or any sensitive files, this method keeps them safe from casual users or curious eyes. No complex tools, no confusing software – just a neat one-click solution that anyone can use! 🔒

Step 1: Open Notepad 📝

Start by opening Notepad on your Windows PC. We’re going to paste a small script that handles folder locking.

Step 2: Paste the Script ⚡

@ECHO OFF
title Folder Private
if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" goto UNLOCK
if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER

:CONFIRM
echo Are you sure you want to lock the folder(Y/N)
set/p "cho=>"
if %cho%==Y goto LOCK
if %cho%==y goto LOCK
if %cho%==n goto END
if %cho%==N goto END
echo Invalid choice.
goto CONFIRM

:LOCK
ren Private "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
echo Folder locked
goto End

:UNLOCK
echo Enter password to unlock folder
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%== password goto FAIL
attrib -h -s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
ren "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" Private
echo Folder Unlocked successfully
goto End

:FAIL
echo Invalid password
goto end

:MDLOCKER
md Private
echo Private created successfully
goto End

:End

Step 3: Save as Batch File 💾

Save the Notepad file as locker.bat (select "All Files" in the Save as type dropdown). Make sure it ends with .bat so Windows can execute it. THE DEFAULT PASSWORD IS password and you can change it in the script, also you can name the bat file anything like boot,sys,log to blend it for any new user on the computer. 

Step 4: Run the Script ▶️

Double-click locker.bat. It will create a folder named Private. Put any files you want to hide inside this folder. When you run the script again, it will ask if you want to lock the folder. Enter Y to lock and a password to unlock it later.

Tips & Best Practices 💡

• 🔑 Change the default password from password to something only you know.
• ⚡ This method hides files from casual users, but it’s not 100% secure from advanced hackers.
• 💾 Backup important files before using the script to avoid accidental loss.
• 🖥 Works on all modern Windows PCs without any extra software.
  
  

Disclaimer ⚠️

This script is a simple Windows utility to hide folders. Do not use it for illegal activities. It protects against casual access but is not a replacement for full encryption.

Why This Trick is Useful 🚀

Sometimes, you just need a quick and free way to hide personal files, work documents, or media. No software installs, no paid tools – just a simple batch script that works instantly. Perfect for students, home PCs, or anyone who wants a little extra privacy! 🔒✨

Helpful Links & References 📚

• Microsoft Windows Help & Support
• Guide on Using Batch Scripts to Lock Folders