3 easy ways to encrypt files instantly on Windows (no accounts needed)

Encryption sounds like one of those high-level operations only a geek should be concerned with, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s possible to secure your files in a straightforward process on Windows, requiring just a few clicks and no accounts or cloud subscriptions. I spent a lot of time testing every method that seemed promising, and only a handful of them actually delivered without requiring me to have a degree in cryptography.

My favorites were the ones that were free and, in some cases, open source. They have become the tools that I use daily for all sorts of encryption, from single documents to entire folders. These tools work offline, keep your data private, and don’t demand more than a password and a few minutes to set up.

7-Zip

Fast, free, and simple file encryption with AES

7-Zip is lightweight and has become one of the tools I install on most of my computers. It offers one of the fastest and simplest encryption options and doesn’t require an account. I use it a lot if I need to archive personal backups, or before I share sensitive files online.

The good part is that it encrypts almost all file types—documents, images, videos, and spreadsheets. It allows you to enable AES-256 encryption for both file names and file content and keeps your data secure even if someone gains access to the file. 7-Zip also compresses files into a single archive.

To encrypt files with 7-Zip:

1. Select the file or files.
2. Right-click and select Choose more options.
3. Navigate to: 7-Zip –> Add to archive.
4. Under Encryption, enter your password, then click OK, and the encryption will be applied instantly.

The drawback of using 7-Zip is that it requires you to manage duplicates carefully because the original files will remain on the system unless you manually delete them. 7-Zip is handy for quick sharing as well as long-term backups.​​​

OS

Windows

Price model

Free

7-Zip is an open-source file archiver that offers strong encryption. It compresses and decompresses files with a high compression ratio.

VeraCrypt

Secure encrypted containers and drives for maximum protection

VeraCrypt is my go-to heavy-duty option when I need more than single-file encryption. I also use it to encrypt financial records and personal projects before uploading to the cloud. Using VeraCrypt can feel like storing sensitive files in a digital safe because it lets you create virtual encrypted drives or containers.

It’s one of the best options for encrypting external drives. It supports a wide range of encryption algorithms, including AES, Twofish, and Serpent. Even though AES is sufficient for most personal use, I love having the extra options.

To use VeraCrypt, I follow these steps:

1. Launch VeraCrypt and click Create Volume.
2. Select Create an encrypted file container, then click Next, and choose Standard VeraCrypt volume, then click Next.
3. Click the Select File button, choose a location, and give your container a name like “securedata.vc”, then click Next. (It’s important to choose a new file.)
4. Select your encryption type and click Next, then set the container size and click Next.
5. Create your password and click Next.
6. Now move your mouse in the window until the randomness bar fills up, then click Format and close the “Create Volume” window.
7. In the VeraCrypt window, select an unused drive letter, then click Select File and choose your container file.
8. Click Mount and enter your password, then click OK.

Now the container appears as a drive under “Devices and drives;” any files or folders you place in it will be automatically encrypted. VeraCrypt’s encryption is highly secure and works offline, but the only downside is that the process is slightly more involved than something like 7-Zip.

OS

Windows, Linux, macOS

Developer

VeraCrypt

VeraCrypt is a free, open-source encryption tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux that protects your data with advanced layered encryption and hidden volumes to keep your confidential files completely secure and private.

Cryptomator

Easy folder encryption without needing an account

Cryptomator is another option for file encryption on Windows. It is not as robust as VeraCrypt, but it also doesn’t require as many steps to use. It works with any file type and is open source, just like VeraCrypt. I have used it to encrypt files on my local machine before saving them on Dropbox.

Once you drop a file into a Cryptomator vault, it is automatically encrypted using AES. Since the encrypted vault is just a folder, it integrates perfectly with my regular workflow, no mounts needed. However, being folder-focused is also a drawback, because when I want to encrypt just a single file, I still have to create a vault.

Here is how I use it:

1. Launch the app, click the add icon, then select Create New Vault.
2. Name the vault and click Next.
3. Choose a location for the encrypted vault (location can be a local drive, external drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.) and click Next.
4. Click Next again, then input a password and click Create Vault.
5. Click the option to Unlock Vault, and enter your password so that Windows mounts the vault as a virtual drive.

Now you can drag files and folders into the drive, and they will be instantly encrypted in the background. Once you’re done adding files, you can reopen the Cryptomator app and lock the vault by selecting Lock.

Related

Should You Use Windows BitLocker to Encrypt Your Hard Drive

To BitLocker, or not to BitLocker, that is the question.

A quieter, simpler way to stay secure

You should make encryption a routine and not just a task you fulfill when something feels risky. Using the right tools makes it a quiet habit that doesn’t need to take much time or effort.

Even though these three tools make file encryption easy on Windows, security doesn’t stop there. You can even encrypt your email, entire storage drives, cloud storage, and network communication. This practice makes it more difficult for an attacker to get hold of your precious data.