What is included in IObit Protected Folder?

Folder Locking – Blocks unauthorized viewing, editing, and access.
Hide Protection – Removes selected files from normal view.
Write Blocking – Prevents unwanted edits or accidental deletion.
Attack Resilience – Keeps files locked during malware attacks.
Core Capacity – Three lock modes: hide, block, write-protect.
Important – Centralized management and Windows Server deployment not included.

What are the main benefits of IObit Protected Folder?

IObit Protected Folder is a Windows tool that locks selected files and folders behind a master password, controlling who can view, open, or change them. It works as a local access-control layer for personal data rather than a cryptographic encryption suite.

Quick Setup – Drag and drop folders to lock instantly.
Shared-PC Privacy – Hides personal files on family computers.
Deletion Guard – Stops other users removing or editing files.
Selective Access – Allows read-only while blocking changes.
Low Overhead – Runs with minimal impact on performance.
Multilingual Interface – Supports thirty-three interface languages on Windows.

What does IObit Protected Folder do?

IObit Protected Folder password-locks chosen files and folders on Windows so they cannot be opened, edited, or seen without the master password. You add items by dragging them into the program window, then apply one of three controls: hide from view, block access, or block modification. A master password of at least six characters guards the program, and a password hint can be set in case you forget it. System-critical folders are kept out through an Exclude List, so locking them does not break Windows.

Who is IObit Protected Folder best suited for?

It fits people sharing a single Windows PC who need specific folders kept private from other local users, such as family computers or shared office workstations. Because protection is applied per machine and not through a central console, it suits one-PC scenarios rather than network-wide permission management. A parent can hide financial documents from a child's account, or an employee can stop colleagues opening a folder on a shared desktop. It is not built to manage access for many users across a domain, so larger teams needing centralized policies will need a different class of tool.

Does IObit Protected Folder encrypt files or only lock them?

IObit Protected Folder restricts access and hides items through local access control; it is not a cryptographic encryption program. The protection is tied to the PC where the software runs, so the lock applies on that machine rather than traveling with the file to another device or the cloud. There is no password-recovery option, so a forgotten master password cannot be reset and the affected items stay locked. When the program is removed, it asks for the key and then releases all protected items, so files are not lost as long as the password is remembered.

What should users check before choosing IObit Protected Folder?

First confirm the platform: IObit Protected Folder runs on Windows only, with no macOS, Android, or iOS version, so it cannot protect files on phones or Macs. Its protection centers on individual files and folders rather than whole-disk or cloud-synced data, and it does not integrate directly with cloud storage services. You can evaluate the full feature set free for twenty uses before deciding, with no feature limits during the trial. Most importantly, store the master password safely, because there is no built-in reset if it is lost.

How does IObit Protected Folder protect data during malware or ransomware attacks?

Its locking engine is designed to keep protected files restricted even while the system is under a malicious attack, which helps against encryption-style threats like the WannaCry outbreak that locked users out of their data. This keeps unauthorized processes from freely opening or altering the folders you have protected. It is an access barrier, however, not an antivirus or a backup, so it should sit alongside security and backup tools rather than replace them. For genuine recovery after an incident, a separate backup copy is still essential, since locking alone does not restore data that is already damaged.

Data loss is expensive: How backups help you avoid outages
For more background on backup planning, read our guide:

Frequently asked questions about IObit Protected Folder

Can I apply different lock settings to individual folders?

No. The lock option you choose in Options — hide, block access, or block modification — applies to every item added to the program, not folder by folder. If you need one folder hidden and another only write-protected at the same time, that mixed setup is not supported, so plan which single mode best fits the data you are adding.

Are protected files still locked after restarting the PC?

Yes. Protection persists across reboots, and the master password is requested every time the program is started, so a restart does not expose the locked items. The protection stays in place until you open the program with the correct password and remove the item from the protected list.