Right-click your folder → hover over 7-Zip → click Add to archive…
“Want to password protect a folder for free? Use 7-Zip. Here’s how in 60 seconds.” 7-zip password protect folder
Change Archive format to 7z . Under Encryption , type a strong password twice. Check Encrypt file names – this hides everything inside. Right-click your folder → hover over 7-Zip →
Delete the original folder (optional but safer). Now to open it, double-click the archive → enter password → extract. 7-zip password protect folder
Click OK . A new .7z file appears.