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Best File Encryption Software For Windows 10 [2024 Guide]

Use the most reliable programs to secure any potential data loss

12 min. read

Updated onJanuary 8, 2024

updated onJanuary 8, 2024

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Key notes

If you are searching forsoftwaretoencryptyourfiles, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you will find useful information about products that encryptfiles, not a full drivetoollikeMicrosoft’s Bitlocker.

Full disk encryption is an efficient data protection feature, but it is not helpful when you wish to share encrypted documents.

When you encrypt your confidentialfiles, they become unreachable to various users of your computer or even hackers. Let’s see whatfileencryptiontoolsyou can install on your PC.

Best free file encryption tools you can use on Windows 10

WinZip– Bank-level encryption methods

WinZip is probably not the first software you may be thinking of when you talk about file encryption, but it has evolved throughout the years to the point where we consider it to deserve the top spot on this list.

Starting off as a typical WinRAR-like file compressor, WinZip has become one of the most reliable tools when it comes to keeping data stored privately, and in a way that doesn’t take up too much storage space.

It features bank-level encryption methods, so all of your archives will not only be easier to send but also protected from outside view.

Speaking of sending, WinZip features built-in integrations that make it an excellent choice to use alongside cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive, and it has integrated sharing options with social media platforms.

Otherkey featuresof Winzip:

WinZip

Easy File Shredder– Powerful performance

If you fear that your data will end up in the wrong hand, another way of keeping it safe besides encryption is making sure that you delete all traces of it from all locations.

That’s precisely why we recommend that you use a tool likeEasy File Shredder, since it will make quick work of any file on your PC, and not even a professional data recovery tool will be able to bring it back.

Besides just deleting the data itself, the program also overwrites all traces of it with random data patterns, making leftover data even harder to recognize.

If you’re looking to create a clean slate, then know that Easy File Shredder can also format entire hard drives, so make sure you use it to its full potential.

The methods through which Easy File Shredder gets rid of all data on your PC are Bruce Schneier’s Algorithm, German VSITR, ITSG2006, Random algorithm, and more.

Otherkey featuresof Easy File Shredder:

Easy File Shredder

DoGoodSoft Best Encryption Expert– Strongest encryption algorithm

DoGoodSoft Best Encryption Expert is a powerful software that adopts the strongest and most advanced encryption algorithm to offer you the highest security.

With this app, you can encrypt your files and folders that ultimately cannot be decrypted or opened without the correct password.

After you finish using the specific file, you don’t have to worry about its possible leakage because it will be re-encrypted automatically.

Furthermore, besides password-protecting and hiding your folders, you can disguise them as well which means the original content won’t be shown and will appear like a disguised object.

Best Encryption Expert can help you shred all the unwanted files from your computer so that it can’t be recovered by common data recovery software.

Otherkey featuresof Best Encryption Expert:

DoGoodSoft Best Encryption Expert

Gilisoft File Lock Pro– Invisible mode

GiliSoft File Lock Pro is a Military Grade Encryption Tool for your confidential files. It is available in 7 languages.

This tool uses different data protection levels. The main functions are hiding data, read and write locking, and encryption.

This applies to your files, folders, and drives from the local disk or external USB drives. Those files can become completely invisible to anyone or any program even in Windows Safe Mode.

You can hide the program itself in Invisible Mode. This software also secures your folders shared on a network, but the free trial version can be applied just to files.  It features an appealing interface.

You can encrypt a file by right-clicking on it, or just drag-and-drop it into the program’s window.

Actually, you can select multiple files at once. But this isn’t an option for multiple folders, and some users consider that an issue.

When you start installing the software, you can set up the main password. Also, you can provide an email address, which will help you retrieve yourkeyword.

Every time you attempt to access or modify a protected file, you must enter the password. And if someone enters a repeatedly false password, Gilisoft File Lock Pro will send you notifications.

Otherkey featuresof Gilisoft File Lock Pro:

Gilisoft File Lock Pro

File Lock Lite– File modifications monitoring

File Lock Liteis one of the best-rated encryption software because it is secure and easy to use. It has more than 54 million downloads and counting.

This program protects your files, folders and drives, USBs and CD drives, email attachments, pictures, and documents with a simple drag-and-drop.

The File Lock encrypted files are hidden and secured from kids, friends, other users of your computer, viruses, and hackers. Also, it helps you set up virtual encrypted wallets, where you can save confidential banking details.

All these encrypted files cannot be lost because File Locker back up data to asecured cloud. You can always simplyrecover your filesfrom your online account. This requires users to make an account.

The price of this software is a bit higher than other similar programs, but it features a lot of applications including Stealth Mode, Hacker Attempt Monitoring, Shred files, AutoLock, Auto Shutdown PC, Lock your PC, and Erases PC tracks.

File Lock includes avirtual keyboardand password strength meter, which helps youcreate strong passwordsfor your encrypted files. Furthermore, it allows you to recover your password, in case you forget it.

Otherkey featuresof Gilisoft File Lock Lite:

Gilisoft File Lock Lite

Privacy Drive– Easy to use

Privacy Driveis another solution to help you lock, hide, and encrypt your data. This software can create virtual encrypted disks on which you can store your files.

All the data on these virtual disks are encrypted automatically before it’s saved.

You don’t have to encrypt or decrypt each file individually. And once you have finished with your files, just dismount the virtual disk and all the files will be instantly secured.

With Privacy Drive, you can securely transfer your encrypted files to email attachments, USB equipment,external HDD, different portable devices, and cloud servers (like Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive).

Otherkey featuresof Privacy Drive:

⇒Get Privacy Drive

idoo File Encryption– Simple design

idoo File Encryptionprogram is suitable for various types of files. It is fairly easy to use and there is an online help manual.

This software helps you secure your confidential data.  All you have to do is right-click on a file, folder, orhard drive, and choose one of the options: hide, deny write, lock, encrypt or shred.

When someone using a false password tries to repeatedly access your Idoo encrypted files, you receive an email notification and the program shuts down.

Password recovery is a useful tool. Some users report it to be, at the same time, a bit worrisome, because thekeywordis sent in plain text to the email address provided, which indicates that anybody can find it in some idoo servers.

⇒Get idoo File Encryption

AxCrypt– Password generator

AxCrypthas been designed for home and small business users.  It uses either 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption. And it is available in 11 languages.

This program works perfectly with individual files, but cannot encrypt multiple files.

Still, you can build secured folders that will individually encrypt the files that you store there. AxCrypt applies also to uploaded cloud files that are stored in cloud services (such asGoogle Driveand Dropbox).

It features also passport management and an AxCrypt password generator.

There is a free version, but some features and 256-bit AES encryption are available with the paid version. Being a rather simple program, the price for AxCrypt is more accessible than other software presented in this article.

⇒Get AxCrypt

VeraCrypt– Three different encryption algorithms

Although VeraCrypt does not apply to individual files, it’s worth mentioning that it’s a free encryption tool.

Most of the users that are familiar with TrueCrypt should know that VeraCrypt is an updated and improved version of it.

Using 3 different encryption algorithms such as AES, TwoFish, and Serpent, VeraCrypt has been developed to fix many of the security issues in TrueCrypt. And it is available in 37 languages.

While VeraCrypt cannot be used to encrypt single files, it is a powerful tool for partitions or entire drives and we decided to include it in this list.

⇒Get VeraCrypt

And now let’s see what are the best premium paid PC file encryption software versions available on the market.

These tools bring additional features and options compared to the free software listed above.

Most of them have a free trial period, so be sure to check them out.

Best file encryption software for Windows 10 (Paid Version)

EasyLock– Cross-platform solution

EasyLockis a cross-platform solution that integrates with Endpoint Protector for Enforced Encryption. It uses theAES 256bits mode encryption, just like other solutions presented in this article.

It secures confidential information stored on your computer, onUSB storage equipment, burned on CDs and DVDs, or even uploaded tocloud services(like Dropbox, iCloud, or Ubuntu One).

Thissoftwareis an easy-to-use tool, featuring an intuitive interface. Simply Drag-and-Drop or Copy-Paste your files. And just double-click, when you want to open the encrypted files.

When you have finished editing the files, Easylock encrypts them.

Confidential data can safely be transferred on encrypted USB portable devices. Then you can access it on any computer, by providing the correct password. This way, the risk of data loss or data theft is eliminated.

⇒Get EasyLock

Secure IT– Simple interface

Secure IT is another good file encryption software. You can just right-click on the file and choose the option to encrypt it. Secure IT uses AES 256-bit encryption or a 448-bit BLOWFISH algorithm.

Being an older code, encryption with 448-bit BLOWFISH works fine with small-size files (less than 32GB).  Still, the users report security issues when used for larger files.

Secure IT has a file shredder to help you erase all remains of the information, but it doesn’t have a password recovery process. It is a bit more costly than other file encryption software, but it comes with three licenses.

⇒Get Secure IT

CryptoForge– Top-rated software

CryptoForge is a high-rated encryption program.  It is simple to use, such as right-clicking the file, choosing “encrypt” and then entering the password. Decrypting and shredding your files is just as simple.

This encryptionsoftwareoffers AES 256-bit, the most secure encryption algorithm. It also uses 3 other codes (448-bit Blowfish, 168-bit Triple DES, and 256-bit GOST), but those work fine just with small files (less than 32 GB).

CryptoForge includes a helpful application that allows you to send encrypted files by email attachment to other users, without having to install CryptoForge on their computer.

You can also use this application from aUSB driveormemory card.

Although is not as fast as other similar programs, CryptoForge is still a top-rated file encryption software. And it features a password meter to help you choose stronger keywords.

⇒Get CryptoForge

Digital Safety Deposit Box (CertainSafe)– Good for small businesses

Certainsafe is developed as a secure cloud service that helps small and medium businesses to secure their confidential information.

Built as a responsive HTML website, Certainsafe encrypts your private files and splits them into pieces that are saved on different servers. This considerably reduces the risks of various hacking attacks.

You can store, access, and share your files using any browser on any platform or device (like tablet and smartphone), not having to download or install the program.

Still, there is no recovery password and average users find CertainSafe overpriced if you just consider it a cloud storage service.

But CertainSafe works like a safe deposit box for your files, using AES 256-bit code. Furthermore, CertainSafe highlights security over all else and it’s just as easy to use as a website.

⇒ Get Certainsafe

We hope this guide provided you with all the information you need to decide what file encryption tool to install on your computer.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

The software solutions presented above are also good if you are interested in the following topics:

Best hard drive encryption software– All the products listed here can protect all of the data that is stored on one’s hard drive.

More about the topics:file encryption,software

Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.

She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.

Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.

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Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.