How to Put Password on Programs Windows 10

In the digital age, privacy and security are of utmost importance. Protecting our personal information from unauthorized access is crucial, especially when it comes to sensitive data stored on our computers. While Windows 10 offers various security features, one additional layer of protection you can add is putting a password on specific programs. This means that even if someone gains access to your computer, they won’t be able to open those programs without the password.

In this blog post, we will explore different methods to put passwords on programs in Windows 10. By following these steps, you can ensure that your sensitive files and applications are safeguarded from prying eyes.

What’s Needed

To get started with adding passwords to programs in Windows 10, you will need:

• A Windows 10 computer
• Admin access or account control privileges
• The program(s) you want to protect
• A password manager (optional, but recommended)

Video Tutorial:

What Requires Your Focus?

Before we dive into the methods, let’s take a look at some key points you should focus on during the process:

• Selecting the right method: Depending on your needs and preferences, certain methods may be more suitable for you. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each method before making a decision.
• Choosing strong passwords: To ensure maximum security, use strong, unique passwords for each program you want to protect. This will minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
• Regularly updating passwords: Periodically update your passwords to enhance security. This is especially important if you have shared the password with others or suspect any potential security breaches.
• Backup your password(s): In case you forget the password(s) or encounter any issues, make sure to have a reliable backup of your password(s) in a secure location.

Option 1. How to Put Password on Programs via Built-in Windows Features

Windows 10 provides a built-in feature called AppLocker, which allows you to restrict access to specific programs using policies. Here’s how you can use this method:

Pros:

• Native Windows feature, so no additional software installation required
• Advanced customization options available for program restrictions
• Can be effective for restricting program access on shared family computers

Cons:

• Requires administrative access and familiarity with AppLocker
• Can be time-consuming to set up and configure policies for each program
• May not be suitable for individual users who prefer a simpler solution or have limited technical knowledge

To put a password on a program using AppLocker, follow these steps:

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard, typing "gpedit.msc," and hitting Enter.
2. In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Windows Settings" > "Security Settings" > "Application Control Policies" > "AppLocker."
3. Right-click on "Executable Rules" and select "Create New Rule."
4. In the Create Executable Rules wizard, select the "Path" option and browse for the program you want to protect.
5. Choose the "Deny" action and click Next.
6. Now, select the "Users or Groups" option to specify who you want to restrict access for. You can choose individual user accounts or groups.
7. Review the settings and click "Create" to apply the rule.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 for each program you want to password-protect.

Option 2. How to Put Password on Programs via Third-Party Software

If you prefer a more user-friendly approach or need additional features, you can use third-party software designed specifically for locking programs. One popular tool is "Program Protector." Here’s how you can use this method:

Pros:

• Simpler setup and user-friendly interface
• Additional features like scheduling and blocking specific time periods
• Support for a wide range of programs

Cons:

• Requires installation of third-party software
• Free versions may have limitations in functionality
• Potential risk of downloading untrusted software from the internet

To put a password on a program using Program Protector, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Program Protector from the official website.
2. Launch the program and click on "Add Protected Program" or a similar option.
3. Browse for the program you want to protect and select it.
4. Set a password in the provided field and, if available, configure additional settings like time restrictions.
5. Click "OK" or "Save" to apply the changes.
6. The program is now protected, and when someone tries to access it, they will be prompted to enter the password.

Option 3. How to Put Password on Programs via Batch File

An alternative method to protect programs in Windows 10 is by using batch files. While this method may require some technical knowledge, it offers a simple way to add password protection. Here’s how you can use this method:

Pros:

• Requires minimal resources and no additional software installation
• Allows customization and flexibility in password management
• Suitable for users comfortable with scripting and command line

Cons:

• Requires basic understanding of batch scripting and command prompt
• May not provide advanced features like time restrictions or multiple passwords
• Can be bypassed by knowledgeable users

To put a password on a program using a batch file, follow these steps:

1. Open Notepad or any text editor.
2. Paste the following code into the text editor:
"`
@echo off
title Program Password
set "password=your_password"
set /p "enter=Enter password: "
if not %enter%==%password% (exit)
start "Path_to_program.exe"
"`
3. Replace "your_password" in the code with the desired password.
4. Replace "Path_to_program.exe" with the actual path of the program you want to protect.
5. Save the file with a ".bat" extension, such as "protect_program.bat."
6. Double-click the batch file to execute it. If the entered password matches the specified password, the program will launch.