1. Open GiliSoft EXE Lock
Install and launch EXE Lock on the Windows computer where selected applications need individual password protection.
Add a Password Before Selected Windows Apps Open
A Windows sign-in password protects the user account, but it does not give every application its own launch password. Once someone can use a shared PC, they may also be able to open browsers, games, finance software, chat clients, editing tools, remote-access utilities, or other installed applications.
GiliSoft EXE Lock adds a separate password verification step to selected apps. Choose which desktop or supported Store apps need protection, set one release password, add a recovery email, and review blocked attempts without uninstalling or modifying the applications.
Recommended choice: use GiliSoft EXE Lock when a shared Windows PC should stay usable but selected applications must open only after password approval.
How to Lock an App with a Password on Windows
2. Choose Desktop Apps or Store Apps
Use Desktop Apps (EXE) for traditional software or Store Apps (UWP) for supported Microsoft Store applications.
3. Add the app you want to lock
Click Add or drag the target into the protected list, then confirm the displayed app name and executable path or identifier.
4. Select Password Verification
Choose Password Verification so the app opens only after the correct release password is entered.
5. Set password recovery details
Open Settings to change the startup and release password and add an email address for password recovery.
6. Test and review protection
Open the protected app to verify the password prompt, then check the dashboard and logs for blocked or approved launch activity.
Apps You Can Protect with a Password
Traditional desktop programs
Password-lock browsers, editors, games, finance tools, remote-access software, utilities, and other Windows EXE applications.
Microsoft Store applications
Use the Store Apps (UWP) area to manage supported modern Windows applications alongside traditional desktop software.
Games and entertainment apps
Require parent or supervisor approval before games, launchers, media players, social apps, or distracting software can open.
Private and licensed business apps
Protect accounting, HR, inventory, design, editing, development, password, and management tools installed on shared PCs.
Why Add a Separate Password to Apps?
The Windows login stays convenient
Users can continue sharing the PC while only sensitive, paid, distracting, or administrative applications receive an extra password gate.
Authorized users retain access
Password Verification allows a parent, manager, teacher, or administrator to approve app launches without removing the protection rule.
Recovery settings reduce lockout risk
Configure an email address for password recovery and keep the startup and release password managed from one Settings screen.
Logs show attempted access
The dashboard and intercept logs show protected targets, blocked attempts, and recent launch activity for easier review.
Common App Password Scenarios
Lock games with a parent password
Keep games installed but require approval before they open during homework, school, family, or shared-computer time.
Password-lock office applications
Protect finance, payroll, HR, customer, inventory, remote-support, and internal management software from casual access.
Protect paid creative software
Require a password before video editors, design tools, engineering software, or licensed production apps can launch.
Control applications on a shared PC
Leave approved everyday software open while restricting only the applications that contain private data or require supervision.
Related App Lock Guides
Password protect a specific EXE file
For executable-focused instructions, read how to password protect an EXE file on Windows.
Prevent users from opening programs
For shared-PC access scenarios, see how to prevent users from opening programs on Windows.
Lock Microsoft Store apps
For modern app instructions, read how to lock Microsoft Store apps on Windows.
View the complete EXE Lock product
See features, screenshots, use cases, and licensing on the GiliSoft EXE Lock page.
Windows App Password FAQ
Can I lock individual apps on a shared Windows PC?
Yes. EXE Lock adds launch protection to selected applications while leaving other approved programs available.
Can I open a locked app when I need it?
Yes. Enter the release password at launch or use Temporary Unlock for authorized maintenance or supervised access.
What happens if I forget the password?
Set a recovery email in Settings so password recovery details are prepared before the computer is shared with other users.
Can I lock both desktop and Microsoft Store apps?
Yes. The interface provides separate Desktop Apps (EXE) and Store Apps (UWP) areas for supported targets.
Add password protection to selected Windows apps
Use GiliSoft EXE Lock to require password verification, preserve authorized access, configure recovery details, and review app launch attempts.
Buy EXE Lock