Microsoft Private Folder is a free security tool that enables you to protect personal information found on your computer. It should be used on an operating system which is shared by two or more people, at home or at work.

With the help of this tool, you set up a folder called My Private Folder, which has a password. This saves you a lot of time, being an ideal alternative to password-protecting each file the manual way.

Just select a bunch of private files, and move them to this special folder.

What must be mentioned is the fact that Microsoft Private Folder was not designed to block hackers, so if you have more sensitive information that others could use against you, then you should probably apply for an improved form of security.

Microsoft Private Folder requires minimum time for installation. When you set and confirm the password, you can see a strength indicator provided by the software.

Remember that since this is a basic tool that doesn't even have an additional online platform, you don't have the possibility of selecting "Forgot your password?".

If you forget your password, you will not be able to access the private folder (Microsoft is not responsible for this event in any way).

There is a small menu available in Microsoft Private Folder, in which you can select Idle Time Before Auto-Lock (self-explanatory), change password, import/export encrypted files, or remove My Private Folder.

All in all, Microsoft Private Folder is a small and effective tool that you can use for your personal information only, while other software are more effective when it comes to top-notch security.