# IObit Protected Folder [View HTML page](https://find-your-software.com/iobit/protected-folder/) Hide selected files and folders and restrict read or write access on Windows. ## Control access to files with IObit Protected Folder IObit Protected Folder is a Windows utility for password-managed file and folder restrictions. Its lock options hide selected items or deny read and write access. Choose the files you want to restrict and the actions you want to prevent. Begin with a test folder so you can check the behavior before applying settings to important working data. ## Add files and folders to the protection list You can drag files or folders into the application to add them for protection. The program manages restrictions on those existing items rather than storing a separate copy inside itself. Keep track of the original locations. A protection list is not an archive or a backup destination, and adding a folder does not create a recovery copy. ## Choose hiding, read restrictions, or write restrictions Hide affects visibility. Deny Read Access restricts opening, copying, or running protected files, while Deny Write Access restricts modification, movement, or deletion. Review which combination matches your task. A folder you still need to edit has different needs from a reference collection you want to preserve unchanged. ## Set a password and review everyday access The application asks you to set a password before using its protection controls. Password settings also provide a hint option. Keep the password available through your normal secure recovery arrangements, and avoid a hint that reveals it to another user. Test how you unlock and relock a sample before relying on the workflow. ## Test applications that need protected data Restrictions can affect programs that need to read or save files in a protected location. Review your normal document, synchronization, and backup workflows after changing a rule. For example, confirm that a project opens and saves as intended when you authorize access. Do not assume that hiding a folder or blocking writes will leave every background task unaffected. ## Understand protection and recovery limits The documented controls are hiding and access restrictions. They should not be treated as a portable encrypted archive or a guarantee that protection survives reinstalling Windows or the application. Before reinstalling software, moving storage, or changing protection settings, preserve independently accessible copies of important data. File restrictions cannot restore files erased during a system reinstall or lost through drive failure. ## Compare access control with malware protection For malware detection and Safe Box controls, see [IObit Malware Fighter Pro](https://find-your-software.com/iobit/malware-fighter-pro/) . For a broader maintenance application, review [Advanced SystemCare Pro](https://find-your-software.com/iobit/advanced-systemcare-pro/) . These applications have different roles and licenses. Protected Folder focuses on selected-file restrictions rather than scanning every threat or backing up the computer. ## IObit Protected Folder FAQ Answers to common questions ### What is IObit Protected Folder used for? It manages password-controlled restrictions on selected Windows files and folders, including hiding and denying read or write access. ### Does adding a folder create another copy? No. The application applies restrictions to the existing files or folders. Keep track of their original locations and maintain separate backups. ### How do read and write restrictions differ? Read restrictions address opening, copying, or running protected files. Write restrictions address modification, movement, or deletion. Test the combination you choose. ### Can I add files by dragging them into the application? Yes. Drag-and-drop adds selected files or folders to the protection list. Review the chosen lock options afterward. ### Should I treat it as an encrypted archive? No. The documented controls are hiding and access restrictions. Do not assume they create a portable encrypted copy. ### Will protection necessarily survive a reinstall? Do not rely on that. Review access and preserve independent copies before reinstalling Windows or the application; protection cannot recover files erased during reinstall. ### Does it replace antivirus or backup? No. It restricts access to selected items. Continue using appropriate malware protection and independent recovery copies.