1. GiliSoft File Lock Pro
Best paid Windows choice for selected-folder protection: lock folders, hide files, protect USB folders, hide drives, control shared folders, and keep data local.
Choose Encryption Software by the Job, Not Just the Platform
A Windows or Mac encryption tool can be excellent in one situation and inconvenient in another. BitLocker and FileVault are strong for whole-device protection. VeraCrypt is strong for encrypted containers. Cryptomator is useful before cloud sync. GiliSoft File Lock Pro is more direct when Windows users want selected folders locked, hidden, protected, or controlled locally.
For most everyday Windows users, folder-level protection is more practical than encrypting every drive or learning a virtual-container workflow. For Mac users, built-in FileVault is the natural first choice for whole-disk protection, while File Lock Pro for Mac can help with local file and folder privacy tasks.
Best Windows folder protection pick: use GiliSoft File Lock Pro when you want password locking, hide mode, USB folder protection, drive hiding, shared-folder access control, and local privacy without cloud syncing.
5 Best PC Encryption Software for Windows and Mac in 2026
2. VeraCrypt
Best free advanced encryption choice for encrypted containers, virtual disks, partitions, and experienced users who are comfortable mounting secure volumes.
3. BitLocker
Best built-in Windows option for full-drive encryption on supported Windows editions, especially laptops and removable drives that may be lost or stolen.
4. Apple FileVault
Best built-in Mac option for full-disk encryption. It protects the Mac startup disk and is usually the first encryption feature Mac users should enable.
5. Cryptomator
Best free open-source option for encrypting files before cloud sync, especially when you store protected vaults inside cloud folders.
Bonus: GiliSoft File Lock Pro for Mac
Useful for Mac users who want local file and folder privacy workflows alongside built-in FileVault full-disk protection.
Best Choice by Encryption Need
Best for Windows folder protection
GiliSoft File Lock Pro. Choose it when selected folders, USB folders, local drives, shared folders, or private files need direct password-based access control.
Best free advanced encryption
VeraCrypt. Choose it when you want encrypted containers or volumes and you are comfortable with a more technical setup.
Best built-in Windows drive encryption
BitLocker. Choose it when the whole Windows drive or removable drive should be encrypted at the device level.
Best built-in Mac encryption
FileVault. Choose it when the goal is protecting the Mac startup disk and user data if the Mac is lost or stolen.
Best cloud pre-encryption
Cryptomator. Choose it when your files must be encrypted before they are synced to cloud storage.
Best local privacy workflow
GiliSoft File Lock Pro. Choose it when you dislike cloud syncing and want private files to stay on the PC or storage device you control.
Why GiliSoft File Lock Pro Leads for Everyday Windows Privacy
Password protect selected folders
Lock selected folders so unauthorized users cannot open, edit, rename, move, copy, or delete protected files without the correct password.
Hide private files and drives
Use hide mode for files, folders, drives, and partitions when private storage should not appear during normal Windows browsing.
Protect USB and external folders
Apply protection to USB flash drives, external disks, memory cards, and portable work folders used across multiple PCs.
Work without cloud syncing
Keep sensitive files on local Windows storage instead of moving them into a third-party cloud-sync workflow.
Fit shared-PC situations
Use it on family PCs, dorm computers, office workstations, classroom machines, and local shared folders where selected data needs privacy.
Use one practical Windows toolkit
Combine lock, hide, protect, encrypt, monitor, secure delete, USB folder protection, and drive hiding from one product.
Windows vs Mac Encryption Notes
Windows users often need folder-level control
Windows includes strong drive and account features, but many users still want a simpler way to protect one folder, one USB folder, or one private archive.
Mac users should start with FileVault
FileVault is the built-in Mac full-disk encryption feature. It is the natural baseline for Mac users protecting the whole startup disk.
Container tools are powerful but technical
VeraCrypt-style workflows are strong for advanced users, but the container and mount process can feel heavy for everyday folder privacy.
Cloud encryption has a different purpose
Tools like Cryptomator are useful when files must be encrypted before cloud sync. They are not the same as direct local folder locking.
Related Encryption Guides
Folder encryption software for Windows
For Windows-only folder tools, read 10 best folder encryption software for Windows.
File locker software for Windows 11/10
For file locker comparisons, read top 5 best file locker software for PC Windows 11/10.
VeraCrypt alternative easy to use
If VeraCrypt feels too technical, see VeraCrypt alternative easy to use.
Folder lock without cloud syncing
For local privacy, read folder lock software without cloud syncing.
PC Encryption Software FAQ
What is the best PC encryption software for Windows and Mac in 2026?
For selected-folder protection on Windows, GiliSoft File Lock Pro is the best everyday pick. For full-drive protection, use BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on Mac.
Which free encryption software is best?
VeraCrypt is a strong free choice for advanced encrypted containers and volumes. Cryptomator is useful for encrypting files before cloud sync.
Is GiliSoft File Lock Pro available for Mac?
GiliSoft offers File Lock Pro for Mac for local file and folder privacy tasks, while Mac users can also use FileVault for built-in full-disk encryption.
Should I encrypt the whole PC or only selected folders?
Encrypt the whole PC when theft or device loss is the main risk. Protect selected folders when the goal is local privacy, shared-PC control, USB folders, or daily folder access management.
Start with local Windows folder protection from GiliSoft
Use GiliSoft File Lock Pro to lock folders, hide private files, protect USB storage, and keep sensitive Windows data under local control.
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