I never paid much attention to file security until I accidentally left a USB drive at a client site a few years ago.
Luckily, there was nothing highly confidential on it, but it made me realize how easy it is for private files to fall into the wrong hands. Since then, I've always looked for a simple way to lock important files, folders, and USB drives without dealing with complicated Windows security settings.
Recently, I've been using FileGuarder, and honestly, it has become one of those tools that I keep installed on every PC.
Why Choose FileGuarder?
Private files can be exposed if your PC or USB drive is shared, lost, or accessed by others. FileGuarder helps you lock important files, folders, and USB data with a password, without complicated settings. It is a simple choice for anyone who wants better privacy and peace of mind.
How to Protect Files, USB Drives and Privacy Data with FileGuarder
FileGuarder is an all-in-one security toolkit for Windows that helps you protect sensitive files, encrypt USB drives, permanently erase private data, and clean privacy traces from your computer. Whether you want to lock confidential documents, secure an external drive, remove sensitive files beyond recovery, or clean browsing and usage traces, FileGuarder provides a simple and user-friendly solution.
The software includes four main security features:
- Encrypt Files — Password protect files and folders with AES-256 encryption.
- Encrypt USB — Secure files stored on USB flash drives and external storage devices.
- File Erase — Permanently erase sensitive files so they cannot be easily recovered.
- Privacy Clean — Remove privacy traces such as recent files, temporary files, and browsing history.
Step 1Download and Open FileGuarder
Download FileGuarder, install it on your PC, and open the app. Choose Encrypt Files from the left menu to get started.
Step 2Create a New Vault
A vault is a container that takes care of all encrypted files. The files in a vaule are hidden and can be only accessed with the correct password. You need to create a new vault first with the FileGuarder app. From the new window, you should input a name for the value as well as the password to encrypt the files.
Once it is done, you will be presented with the following window. Please copy and save the key into a safe place. You can use the key to unlock the vault if you forgot the password.
Step 3Select a Vault and Add Files to Vault
Click on the value name to select it. After that, click the Add Files button to proceed.
Now, you can drag & dropp the files into the window for encryption. Or you can use the Add File option at the bottom.
Step 4 Choose an Encryption Option
After adding files, please click the Encrypt option to open up a new window. There are three options you can choose after adding the password. Please select the option that suits you best.
In our case, we will let the FileGuarder app delete the original files after encryption. Once it is done, click the Start Encyption button to proceed.
The encryption will be finished in seconds.
Step 5Unlock the Vault
The vault will be locked by default and no one can access the files in the vault.
After that, select the vault and click the Open Vault option at the bottom. Next, enter the password and choose a local folder to save the decrypted files.
You will see files in this password protected vault freely. And you can export the files if you need to edit them.
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Final Thoughts
There are plenty of encryption tools available, but many of them feel too technical for everyday users. FileGuarder focuses on simplicity. You create a vault, add files, encrypt them, and unlock them whenever you need access.
For anyone who wants an easy way to password protect files, folders, or USB drives without spending time learning complicated security settings, it is definitely worth trying. Personally, it has become one of those utilities I install immediately on a new PC.
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