What's the best software for encrypting files in Win 10?

I have just a couple of folders that I would like to encrypt. Is there one program that's clearly better? Or should I look into encrypting the entire hard disk? I did a search and found several sites that offer ratings for a dozen different programs.

Thanks 

It depends on how well you want to encrypt the data. For a couple of folders you could zip them with a password. Another option is a program called Veracypt. You create an encrypted file container with a strong password. The encrypted file container is mounted using the password and the folders are copied to the file container. After the copy you unmount the file container. Nobody can access the file container without the password. 

Veracrypt needs to be installed on any computer that will mount the encrypted file container. 

There is also the option of using an encrypted USB flash drive if you plan on taking the files between various computers.

In any case always backup the files to two devices, preferably one being offsite. For example, you could upload the encrypted file container to something like Google Drive. 

It depends on how well you want to encrypt the data. For a couple of folders you could zip them with a password. Another option is a program called Veracypt. You create an encrypted file container with a strong password. The encrypted file container is mounted using the password and the folders are copied to the file container. After the copy you unmount the file container. Nobody can access the file container without the password.

I used to use an encryption program that widely used, but apparently had some security problems. I forget the name right now. All I want is something that will encrypt personal informtion in case my PC is lost or stolen. It soesn;t need to be secure from international spiers or the CIA. ;-)
 

Veracrypt needs to be installed on any computer that will mount the encrypted file container.

I'll look at that, thanks.
 

There is also the option of using an encrypted USB flash drive if you plan on taking the files between various computers.

I don't need that.
 

In any case always backup the files to two devices, preferably one being offsite. For example, you could upload the encrypted file container to something like Google Drive.

I have a OneDrive folder as part of my Office 365 subscription. If I copy a Veracrypt container to OneDrive, will that work?

Thanks

Yes, copying the file container to OneDrive will work. It's just like uploading a normal file. 

Here is a video explaining the file container method.

I've always used 7zip to encrypt any important files/folders - https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/usxty6/how_secure_is_it_to_encrypt_a_file_using_7zip_can/

the best encryption software for windows is gpg4win:

https://www.gpg4win.org/

It allows you encrypt not just files but also emails.

If you're developer it also let's you sign your commits and provides storage functionality for your GPG keys.

You can also publish your public keys to online server.

I don't know so much about folders, but VeraCrypt is one of ..if not THE best Open source full disk encryption programs. It also lets you create encrypted containers if you don't want to do the entire disk. Both of these volume types are then easily mounted in a nice window. Advanced key files can't be created with your password.You can even implement hidden volumes and a hidden OS. Don't know too many programs out there that can do any of this, and VeraCrypt makes it super easy. Just go though the basics of the manual and you'll never use anything else. The hidden vol/OS features you probably won't need, but it's mind blowing how well the devs implemented theses features.

Don't pay for encryption software, or (closed source) software. The company will always tell you that you can trust it, but if the source code is not open/ available to the public, it can't be tested by the outside world and can't be trusted. Never use paid software for encryption.

Edited by Pc-mac-guy, 13 November 2023 - 02:35 AM.