What is included in Gilisoft File Lock?

Lock and Hide – Password-lock or hide local files and folders.
Read-Only Mode – Blocks editing, renaming, deletion, copying, and moving.
Folder Monitor – Logs created, modified, and deleted files for review.
Self-Protection – Password-protected uninstall plus stealth invisible mode.
Core Capacity – Protection stays active even in Windows Safe Mode.
Important – External-drive, LAN, AES encryption and shredding need File Lock Pro.

What are the main benefits of Gilisoft File Lock?

Gilisoft File Lock is the lite edition of File Lock Pro, built for quick local file and folder privacy on Windows PCs. It locks, hides, and password-protects selected files, folders, and drives without changing their original content.

Fast Locking – Lock folders via context menu or drag-and-drop.
Tamper Resistance – Uninstalling the program also requires your password.
Edit Protection – Read-only mode prevents accidental changes or deletion.
Password Recovery – Retrieve a forgotten password via pre-set email.
Audit Visibility – Folder monitor records who changed which files.
Lifetime Updates – Free edition updates are included.

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What does Gilisoft File Lock do?

Gilisoft File Lock locks, hides, and password-protects selected files, folders, and drives on a Windows PC. Locked items cannot be opened, modified, renamed, moved, deleted, or copied without the password, and the sub-folders inside a locked folder are protected as well. It adds read-only protection, folder monitoring, and self-protection that requires the password before the program can be uninstalled. A protected folder also re-locks automatically once you close it, so files do not stay exposed after editing.

Who is Gilisoft File Lock best suited for?

It fits home and office users who share a Windows computer and need specific folders kept private from other people on the same machine. The workflow it solves is fast, repeatable folder locking without enterprise tooling: drag a folder into the app or use the Explorer right-click menu and it locks at once, then auto-locks again when closed. It is the lighter alternative to File Lock Pro, so it suits people who only protect local-drive files and do not need external-drive or network-share coverage. For HR, finance, or contract folders on a multi-user desktop, that keeps daily privacy simple for non-technical staff.

What is the difference between File Lock and File Lock Pro?

File Lock is the lite edition and only protects files, folders, and drives on the local drive. File Lock Pro adds protection for external and USB drives, password protection for LAN shared folders, 256-bit AES and portable EXE encryption, and a secure file, folder, and drive shredder. Both editions share the core locking, hiding, read-only protection, Safe-Mode protection, folder monitoring, and self-protection. Choose File Lock for local privacy and File Lock Pro when you need removable-drive, network-share, or true encryption coverage.

Does Gilisoft File Lock encrypt files and protect USB drives?

No. According to GiliSoft's own edition comparison, 256-bit AES file and folder encryption, portable EXE encryption, and the secure shredder are File Lock Pro features, not part of the lite File Lock edition. File Lock also does not protect files on external or USB drives, and it cannot password-protect LAN shared folders. For encrypting an entire removable drive, GiliSoft points users to its separate USB Encryption tool, and to USB Lock for blocking USB ports and device access. So if your main need is real encryption or external-drive locking, the lite edition is the wrong choice and File Lock Pro is the correct fit.

What makes Gilisoft File Lock useful in daily work?

Its auto-lock behavior re-secures a protected folder the moment you close it, so sensitive files are never left open after editing on a shared desk. Protection also stays active in Windows Safe Mode, which closes the common bypass of rebooting into Safe Mode to reach restricted files. The folder monitor records every file created, modified, or deleted in a watched location, which helps during internal audits on multi-user office PCs. After five wrong password attempts, File Lock temporarily bans the attempt and emails an alert to your pre-defined address.

What should users check before choosing Gilisoft File Lock?

Confirm you only need to protect files on the local drive, because the lite edition does not cover external, USB, or LAN shared folders. Decide whether you need real encryption: File Lock focuses on locking and hiding, while 256-bit AES and portable encryption belong to File Lock Pro. The product is Windows-only, covering XP through 11 in 32-bit and 64-bit, with no Windows Server edition listed, so it targets desktops and laptops rather than servers. Set a recovery email during setup, since a forgotten password can only be retrieved through that pre-defined address.

Frequently asked questions about Gilisoft File Lock

Can Gilisoft File Lock block specific programs from running?

Yes. Alongside file and folder locking, File Lock includes an application firewall that stops chosen programs from launching. This is useful on a shared PC where you want to keep certain apps off-limits to other users without removing them.

Does locking a folder change or damage the original files?

No. File Lock protects local files and folders without altering their original content, so unlocking returns them exactly as they were. Locking, hiding, and read-only protection control access rather than rewriting the files themselves.

Is there a Mac or Android version of Gilisoft File Lock?

This edition is for Windows only, but GiliSoft offers separate File Lock apps for macOS and Android. If your protection needs span those platforms, you would use the dedicated app for each rather than this Windows version.