Free Folder Lock

Free Folder Lock is a Windows utility designed to help keep your important data safe by encrypting files, folders and even entire partitions with different passwords. It can also make them invisible or disguise them as common Windows utilities by assigning the Recycle Bin or printer icon.

Following a speedy setup operation that shouldn't give you any trouble, assuming that you have .NET Framework installed, you're welcomed by a user-friendly interface with the home area.

Files, folders or drives can be encrypted by pointing them out in a built-in tree view, specifying and confirming the password, as well as by selecting the encryption type. Only portable encryption is available for drive locking.

When it comes to files and folders, you can simply apply a password or make the items invisible too, so they cannot be viewed by other PC users. In this case, the files can only be accessed and unlocked from the Free Folder Lock window.

If they are only locked with a password, the file icon changes to the one of this program, and it's necessary to indicate the password for decryption when attempting to open the file. The decryption task is performed just as quickly.

Similar steps can be followed for disguising directories. Besides entering a password and retyping it for confirmation, you can pick the mask type from Recycle Bin, Printer, Network Dialing, and Network Neighborhood. You can view a history of your recent activity with the full path of all files involved, along with the type and time of operation.

The application worked smoothly on Windows 10 in our tests. It encrypted and decrypted items swiftly while remaining light on system resources consumption. On the other hand, Free Folder Lock has severe limitations and doesn't provide enough space for testing all features.