You can password-protect a shared folder in Windows 11 using the built-in File Sharing features. Here's how:
1. Right-Click the Folder
- Right-click the folder you want to protect.
- Select Properties.
2. Access the Sharing Tab
- Click the Sharing tab.
- Click Advanced Sharing.
3. Enable Sharing and Set Permissions
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Check the box next to Share this folder.
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Click Permissions.
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Under Group or user names, select the group or user you want to grant access to.
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Choose the appropriate permission level from the Permissions for [group or user name] section.
- Full control: Allows the user to read, write, delete, and modify files and folders.
- Modify: Allows the user to read, write, and delete files and folders but not modify permissions.
- Read: Allows the user to only read files and folders.
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Click Apply and then OK.
4. Set a Password (Optional)
- You can set a password for the shared folder by clicking the Advanced Sharing button.
- Check the box next to Password protect sharing.
- Enter a password and confirm it.
- Click Apply and then OK.
5. Access the Shared Folder
- To access the shared folder, you'll need to enter the password you set.
6. Manage Access
- You can change the permissions and password at any time by following the same steps above.
Note: This method only protects the folder from unauthorized access over the network. It does not encrypt the files within the folder.
