How to Create Password Protection for My Documents Folder in Windows

Windows provides you with a password-protection option for folders, including the My Documents folder. This feature is beneficial if you have multiple people using your computer, or if the hard drive is shared in a local network. Password protection encrypts the folder, and users cannot read its content unless they enter the proper password.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and type "my documents" in the Search text box. Press "Enter." The results window displays the "My Documents" directory. You may also have a "My Documents" link on the desktop. Double-click the link to open the folder.

2. Right-click the "My Documents" folder and select "Properties." A configuration window opens. Click the "Security" tab. Click the "Everyone" group and click "Remove" to remove everyone's access.

3. Click the "Edit" button under the list of users. A new window opens with a list of users. Select each user who needs access to the "My Documents" folder and click "Add."

4. Check "Full Control" in the selected list of users' access. This gives users access to edit and add files to the directory. If you want to explicitly block users, select "Deny" instead. The "Deny" security options blocks users from accessing the folder.

5. Click "OK" to save the security settings. Any user without access to the folder is prompted for a username and password to access the folder.

References

• Addictive Tips; How to Lock and Password Protect Folder in Windows 7/Vista; November 2008