Can you encrypt your computer so as to lock important files, folders, and even a whole hard drive partition? Yes. This page covers 5 best PC encryption software that you can flexibly free download and apply to protect your data or business secrets.

By following this page, both Windows and Mac users can find a file locking or folder encryption solution here. Let's start.

What Is PC Encryption Software

IZip is a free powerful archiving utility designed specifically for Mac. Easily manage ZIP and RAR files directly from the OS X Finder. Open and securely share ZIP, encrypted ZIP and RAR plus other compressed file formats. Any new files that you create are automatically encrypted as they are saved to your startup disk. When FileVault setup is complete and you restart your Mac, you will use your account password to unlock your disk and allow your Mac to finish starting up. Free download Easy File Encryptor Easy File Encryptor for Mac OS X. Easy File Encryptor - Add AES-256 encryption to your files and messages on Mac.

To get started, let's first learn what is Encryption Software. Definition: Briefly, encryption software is a tool or program that uses the cryptography algorithm to prevent unauthorized access to digital data on a storage device, local disk on a computer or server machine, or a cloud-based drive.

Similarly, PC Encryption Software is software that uses encryption technology and cryptography algorithm to lock a file, a folder, and even a local or external hard drive. Currently, PC encryption software is widely used on both Windows and Mac computers.

If you are looking for reliable PC encryption software or you need a guide to encrypt or password-protect files, folders, local or external hard drives, luckily, this is what we are about to talk about next. Read on and find your answer below.

5 Best PC Encryption Software for Windows and Mac in 2021 | Free & Paid

Installing antivirus software on your PC doesn't mean that your files and data are 100% secure on your computer. Trojans, malware, and even hackers still can find accesses to your privacy and business secrets.

To keep your essential files securely protected, we collected 5 best PC encryption software in 2021 that are listed here below. You can simply select one and follow its respective guide to take care of your private information now.

How Do I Encrypt My PC with Best PC Encryption Software? Your Reliable Guides Are Here

Here you'll see a respective tutorial guide on using different software to encrypt or lock computer files. Go and follow to start encrypting your PC data now:

#1. Encrypt PC with EaseUS LockMyFile - Paid

Supported OS: Windows OS

Produced by: EaseUS Software

Free Download: Click the button below to free download it.

EaseUS LockMyFile is a new life, folder, and drive locker application which enables all levels of Windows users to keep their files, folders safe. With it, you can flexibly encrypt a file, lock a folder, hide a partition, and protect files on a local computer drive. You can also apply it to encrypt or lock files on an external hard drive or even a network shared drive. So how to apply this tool to encrypt your computer disk? Let's start here.

How to Use:

Step 1. Enter 'easeus' to launch EaseUS LockMyFile, register with a valid email and a license code.

Step 2. Click File Encryption under More Tools > Click Add Files or Add Folders.

Step 3. Select important files or folders that you need to encrypt, and click Open.

Step 4. Select the encryption mode: Encrypt to gfl or Encrypt to exe.

Step 5. Browse a safe location on your PC, rename the encrypted file or folder, and click Save to save the encrypted files/folders.

Now, your drive is safely locked and encrypted. No one can access your drive. To encrypt more drives on your PC, repeat the above steps.

#2. Encrypt Computer with AxCrypt - Paid

Supported OS: Windows OS, macOS.

Produced by: AxCrypt Software Private Limited

Free Download: https://www.axcrypt.net/download

AxCrypt offers file security services to companies and organizations. By loading files to a cloud-based drive, you can share files with your team with its key sharing features. It's a folder-level encryption utility that you can apply to encrypt essential or big files on your computer. Let's go and learn how to use it.

How to Use:

Step 1. Launch AxCrypt and set a password for file or folder encryption on your PC.

Step 2. Select the encrypt mode - Recent Files or Secured Folders.

Step 3. Drag and drop target files or folders to the empty area in the software.

Then, your files and folders are encrypted.

Repeat the process to encrypt and secure all important files and folders on your computer.

#3. Encrypt PC Data with FolderLock - Paid

Supported OS: Windows OS, Android, and iOS

Produced by: NewSoftware

Free Download: https://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock/

FolderLock is a Windows-based software produced by NewSoftware for file and folder-level encryption on Windows computers. Users can also apply it to backup the encrypted files, setting a password to lock an external storage drive like USB or external hard drive. Shredding files and permanently delete data from PC via this software is also nifty. Let's see how to use it on your Windows PC for file encryption.

How to Use:

Step 1. Launch Folder Lock and enter your Master password, click OK.

Step 2. Click Lock Folders > Add Items to Lock > Add Folders.

Step 3. Browse to select a folder that you need to lock, and click OK to confirm.

Now, your folder is locked and encrypted. You can neither open it nor access the saved files. To re-access these files, you need to right-click these files and select Unlock.

#4. Encrypt PC Drive with BitLocker - Free

Supported OS: Windows OS

Produced by: Microsoft

Free Download: Windows built-in tool, installation is not needed.

BitLocker is a reliable free disk encryption software that allows you to directly encrypt and password protect everything on your local disk and even external hard drive. Let's see how to use it and safely protect your computer now.

How to Use:

Step 1. Open This PC/My Computer, right-click the target drive, and select Turn on BitLocker.

Step 2. Check Use a password to unlock the drive, and add a password to encrypt your drive.

Step 3. Save and back up the encryption key, select Save to a file here. Then click Next.

Step 4. Check Encrypt entire drive (slower but best for PC and drives already in use) and click Next.

Step 5. Check Compatible mode (best for drives that can be moved from this device) and click Next.

Step 6. Click Start encryption and wait for the process to complete.

Once down, you'll see BitLocker displaying Encryption of *: is complete. It means the encryption process is done. If you tend to encrypt the entire computer, repeat the above steps to set a password to all existing hard drives.

#5. Encrypt PC with VeraCypt - Open Source

Supported OS: Windows OS, macOS, and Linux

Produced by: IDRIX

Free Download: https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Downloads.html

VeraCrypt is a free open-source disk encryption software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It was developed by IDRX and based on TrueCrypt 7.1a. It provides you with enterprise-grade encryption for important data. How to use it to encrypt computer drives? Let's see the details.

How to Use:

Step 1. Click Create Volume.

Step 2. Check Encrypt a non-system partition/drive and click Next.

Step 3. Select Standard VeraCrypt volume and click Next.

Step 4. Click Select Device... to browse the drive that you need to encrypt and click OK. Then click Next to continue.

Step 5. Select Encrypt partition in place to avoid data overwritten error, then click Next.

Step 6. Select Encryption Algorithm and click Next.

Step 7. Set a password to encrypt the drive and click Next.

Step 8. Wait for the encryption process to complete, or click Next to jump this procedure.

Step 9. Select the Wipe mode as None (fastest) and click Next.

Step 10. Click Encrypt.

Wait patiently to let the software complete the encryption process on your computer. To secure more drives, repeat the above steps on your PC.

Encrypting Computer Drive, Files, Folders Is Important, Go and Secure Your Data Now

On this page, we collect 5 best PC encryption software that helps you to safely encrypt computer hard drive, external disk, files, and folders on both Windows and Mac computers.

Some of you may have the same question here: which tool is the best for PC encryption?

Here is EaseUS Editors Choices, and you can give it a try:

• For an instant, complete, and paid encryption software for Windows PC, EaseUS LockMyFile stands out. It's flexible for file locking, folder and drive locking, folder encryption, and file shredding.
• For free and easy PC encryption software, BitLocker deserves your trust.
• For a reliable Mac encryption software, give AxCrypt a shot.

Note that encrypting essential files and folders, or even a local drive on your computer is fairly important for securing data from unknown visitors, hackers, or malware on your PC. Go and follow to secure your data now.

By Gina Barrow, Last updated: April 24, 2020

Encryption is the safest and best way to protect data as it encodes a certain file or information in such a way that only authorized users or those with passwords can access. Information including bank details, sensitive personal records should be encrypted to avoid data theft.

Computer operating systems have built-in encryption features but these provide easy to medium form of security and still prone to expert hackers. You need to invest in encryption software if it is a requirement for your type of usage. Here are the top 5 best encryption software for Macin 2020. Check out which one works for your needs.

Part 1. Why Need to Encrypt Mac Files?

All vital files stored inside a computer including Mac need to be encrypted for security purposes. If you happen to hear, watch, and read the news, there are reported cases of stolen identities and bank information due to unsecured files saved inside people’s stolen laptops and computers.

To avoid such hassle, you can rely on encryption software for Mac but the main concern here is what the best software to use is.

Part 2. Apple’s Encryption Software for Mac for free

If you are concerned about data privacy and your Mac contains sensitive information that must be kept personal, then you should use encryption. Apple has its own encryption software that users can utilize for free. There are actually different ways on how to encrypt files on Mac.

Encryption via Disk Utility

1. Use the spotlight search and type in Disk Utility. You can also go to Utilities under Applications.
2. Go to File on the topmost tools and hover to New Image then click on Image from Folder
3. Select the folder you wish to encrypt from the newly popped-up window
4. Rename the file you want to encrypt and go to the bottom part where you can set the encryption settings
5. You can choose between the 128 and the 256-bit. (The higher the encryption the better but it takes slower time to complete request)
6. Once you have selected your encryption method, you need to provide and verify your password. (Note: Remember your password because it will never grant you access to the given folder until the correct password is supplied). Click Choose.
7. For the Image format, you can choose compressed.
8. Wait until the encryption is completed.

This type of encryption affects the folder and its file contents so anytime you wish to open the folder and the files inside, you need to provide the password.

9. You can now see a new Archive folder on the desktop which was the same file you encrypted
10. You can delete the old folder to remove any access to it

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Use FileVault

FileVault is full-disk encryption that uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to preventing unauthorized access to your personal information on the startup disk. Basically, you won’t be able to go through Mac unless you provide the password.

The FileVault2 is available in OS X Lion and later versions. All you need to take advantage of this feature is to turn on FileVault in your Mac. Here’s how:

1. Go to Security & Privacy under System Preferences
2. Click the FileVault tab and click on the lock icon
3. Enter the administration username and password
4. Turn on FileVault

If you are using multiple users on Mac, you can enable each user and type in their assigned password.

Print to PDF

Another file encryption method in Mac is the Print to PDF wherein you can do the security lock on the print window itself after creating or editing certain file/s.

1. Go to Print
2. Choose PDF
3. Click Save as PDF
4. Before saving it, go to Security Options
5. Check the box for your desired password security measures
6. Don’t forget to verify the password and click Save

Part 3. The Best Encryption Software for Mac in 2020

In the sea of many software and applications, there seems to be plenty of programs dedicated to single-use or single-function. They are good because they focus on one solution, however, they also cost more expensive.

Best File Encryption For Mac

If you browse thoroughly, you will discover that there are a few applications that offer sets of operations and toolkits specially designed for Mac. FoneDog PowerMyMac - Cleaner provides comprehensive modules dedicated to Mac OS. It has three powerful modules: Toolkit, Status, and Cleaner.

Inside FoneDogPowerMyMac-Cleaner Toolkit, there is a robust function called Hide and Encrypt Files. This feature allows you to create a password-protected folder and store sensitive files in it by drag and drop. It lets you turn on and off in case you may not use the feature.

• User-friendly
• Free download version
• Auto-lock setup
• Uses the safest encryption system

How cool is that? This program has made an easier way to protect you from possible data theft.

Part 4. Other Mac Encryption Tools

Apart from FoneDog PowerMyMac-Cleaner, there is other top performing software that also provides convenience and security.

Hider 2

Hider2 has the ability to hide and encrypt data on your Mac securely including notes, documents, photos, etc. One of its positive scores is the user-friendly interface which suits beginner to average users.

• Provides auto-lock feature when the user is inactive or idled
• Uses AES-256 encryption for the safest system

Cisdem AppCrypt

Cisdem AppCrypt offers both website and app encryption system that locks you apps and accessed websites with passwords. It creates a blacklist for suspicious access and whitelist for trusted users. However, it does not have the file encryption ability that sets passwords for the desired file and folders.

• Keeps a list of login attempts to let you know who opens your apps
• User-friendly

GNU Privacy Guard

GNU Privacy Guard is hybrid Mac encryption software that uses a combination of standard symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography. It mainly features a versatile key management system to protect your personal privacy and the privacy of the people you are communicating with.

• Versatile (has Windows and Mac versions)
• Free Software

However, since it provides you with a private key for safekeeping, you might end up having a hard time figuring out how to decode it once the keys are lost.

Concealer

Free File Encryption

Concealer is another trusted name in terms of hiding files and encryption. It provides an automatic password assistant that generates “strong” passwords. One of its main advantages is providing and organizing folders by having default templates for various accounts such as bank accounts, email, software registration, and more.

• Customizable auto-lock system
• Easy to use with drag and drop features
• Uses the master password and assigns separate or individual passwords to each file inside

File Encryption Software Free

Part 5. Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Encryption Software for Mac

I know you may have gotten confused on which program to use or will work best for you after reading through the different software you can choose from. There is plenty of encryption software for Mac; however, bear in mind that you need to consider quality and multi-function when it comes to having a “good buy”.

You need a program that provides an all-in-one solution that you can rely on when things go rough on your device. I recommend using FoneDog PowerMyMac for the following factors:

1. Security– It the important concern above all. You have to be keen about how these programs work to secure your files and your Mac overall.
2. Encryption– Based on the above-mentioned encryption data, there are different types of password-protection format. Choose the one that provides the safest and considers your files their topmost priority.
3. Encryption Speed- Consider a program that can encrypt even your large files at the shortest period of time. We know that large files take a while to be fully encrypted so you need software that can minimize the time constraints.
4. Software License- Although free programs are good such as the GNU Privacy Guard, an open source software, you need to consider that free software is not entirely best for your needs since everyone can download it. The same thing goes for paid programs; you have to be extra cautious on how much it costs and its corresponding features. To be sure, you can take advantage of their free-trial versions first so you can determine if it works for you or not.

Free Password Encryption

Part 6. Conclusions

Free File Encryption Tool

We care so much about data privacy and we understand how crucial it is to be well-protected. You cannot simply store important files in your Mac especially when you have multiple users or you plan to sell it later on.

We know how much you want to protect your files from prying eyes and suspicious people that is why we have compiled and researched the different programs that can help you secure them. The encryption software for Mac we listed has their own Pros and Cons where you can assess according to their features.

Simply choose a program that will password-protect your files, optimize your system, and provide you with complete troubleshooting toolkit. Do you have any other concerns regarding encryption software for Mac? Please write your concerns in the comments below!