I know you are thinking of why should anyone need a third party software to protect files on Window PC. But here is the truth. These third party tools provide good protection to private files and folders by using  a good encryption technique.

A very simple method known to everyone to protect files is to hide the file or folder by right clicking on the folder or files and selecting the Hide option and then setting the preferences to ‘Do not show hidden files and folders’ option from the Folder Options menu.

Another simple technique is to create a Zip or RAR file and password protect it but these can be easily cracked by using some decompression tools.

So, here we have featured some awesome freeware applications which protect your files very positively and securely. Take a look at these freeware encryption and file protection tools.

Encrypt Files

Encrypt Files is a file encryption utility that enables you to encrypt the content of file. With Encrypt Files you can protect your files and folders from unauthorized viewing and access. Encrypt Files supports 13 encryption methods. The software does not change the extension or name of the file but highlights encrypted files in the file browser.

Encrypt Files also includes a file shredder to permanently delete sensitive files. Encrypt Files based on 13 advanced encryption algorithms and it can encrypt entire folder easily. Encrypt Files always shreds original files after encryption and makes files hidden after encryption. The most important and awesome feature is, It is free!

Download Encrypt Files from its Official Website.

Iron Privacy Folder

Iron Privacy Folder allows to secure folder privacy in just a few clicks. When the folder is locked, it is no longer accessible from the explorer. It is not possible access it successfully. If you want to do so, then you need to unlock it first. Iron Privacy Folder is small size application & its requirements are also less. just you need small RAM and hard drive footprint. Best feature is that Iron Privacy Folder is completely free for everyone.

Download Iron Privacy Folder.

Hide Folders

Hide Folders is free software and available only for Windows operating system. It allows you to securely hide folders with your private and sensitive data. Hidden folders can not be viewed or opened in Windows explorer. Hidden folders are invisible and inaccessible to other users and applications as well. You will need to enter the password to access the files of the folder. So set your password first in the app. Hide Folders is free for personal and commercial use. Hide Folders is clean software and it does not contain any adware or spyware.

Download Hide Folders from its Official Website.

All software mentioned above are totally free and are very easy to use. They will be really helpful for you to protect your files easily.

Do share if you feel I have missed any!