We have always loved a variety of significant Windows programmes. Additionally, the number of Windows 10 apps is expanding rapidly with the release of Windows 10 and its Universal apps platform. Even the well-known social media and messaging apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc., are now available. As a result of the common practise of sharing a laptop or computer among family members, you need be more careful with your data. Although there is an App Locker service integrated into Windows 10, it is only available in Windows Enterprise and Education versions. Here’s how to lock apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11, so don’t worry if you’re using a different version of Windows.
Lock Specific Apps in Windows 10
In this article, we’ve covered 4 distinct techniques for locking apps in Windows 10. All of these techniques are compatible with Windows 10 Home and Professional. You can jump to any particular section using the table of contents below.
Note: When Windows 11 is released, the majority of these applications ought to function with it. So you might think about utilising these apps if you want to lock apps on Windows 11.
Lock Apps on Windows 10 with My Lockbox
1. On Windows 10, you can lock apps using the My Lockbox software. Therefore, downloading and installing the software on your PC is the first step.
2. The software will prompt you to create a password when you first launch My Lockbox in order to lock the apps on your PC. In order to retrieve passwords in the event that you forget them, you may optionally enter a password hint and an email address.
3.After that, select the folder you want to protect and click “Ok.” You can choose the folder in which the programme or application you want to lock is installed here. You can simply navigate to C:/Program Files or Program Files (x86), where most Windows programmes are installed, and find the programme you wish to lock. Even the Program Files folder can be chosen to lock every software inside.
4.After that, both the software and the folder will be locked. As a result, if you attempt to use the programme from anywhere on Windows, a notice stating that you lack the necessary permissions will appear.
5. Go to the My Lockbox control panel and click the Unlock button to unlock an app. Not everyone will be able to access the My Lockbox app because you need to input the password to open it. Additionally, the software asks for the password even when you try to uninstall it, which is rather convenient.
Unfortunately, the free edition of My Lockbox is somewhat restricted because you can only lock one folder. You’ll need to pay $29.95 for the full edition in order to get the option to lock an unlimited number of folders. While My Lockbox performs admirably, you may also check out some other fun app locker programmes. Other than My Lockbox, these are some of the better options available:
Other App Locker Software for Windows 10
1. Folder Guard
While describing how to password-protect folders in Windows 10, we went into great length about Folder Guard; nonetheless, it also merits a mention here. This is so that you may lock apps using the software. You can lock folders where software has been installed to prevent access from any shortcuts, similar to My Lockbox. Additionally, it also asks for a password when you want to uninstall it, further enhancing security. Due of its flexibility to set multiple passwords for various apps and folders, some individuals might even prefer Folder Guard more.
A 30-day trial of Folder Guard is offered, after which the full version ($39.95) must be purchased.
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2. GiliSoft EXE Lock
GiliSoft, as the name implies, enables you to lock executable EXE programme files, also known as software and apps. The software functions very effectively since, in contrast to other software, it enables users to immediately unlock an app with a password after opening it as opposed to first going to the locker app and doing so. GiliSoft not only secures software with passwords but also shields users against viruses that attempt to alter the system.
Despite having a free trial, GiliSoft EXE Lock is largely worthless because it has a fixed password that anyone can see. Therefore, the full edition of GiliSoft’s app locker software costs $19.95 if you wish to utilise it.
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3. Smart-X AppLocker
The Smart-X AppLocker programme ought to work well if you’re searching for a straightforward app padlock to prevent kids from accessing certain apps. It provides a list of apps that you may lock, but you can add more by just inputting the names of their EXE files. The software is really simple to use and makes locking apps simple. Although it locks apps quickly, it is not really safe because almost anyone can access it or uninstall it to open the closed programmes. Overall, we only suggest the software if you have straightforward locking needs.
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Use Windows 10 Parental Controls
You can use Windows 10’s parental control feature to lock apps (or websites) for one of your family members’ user accounts. There is a caveat, though, since you can’t lock particular apps on the account until the user has actually used them. In essence, if you monitor your children’s activity and have a child user account, you can see the games and apps they use and ban the ones you don’t want them to. Check out our post on how to set up and adjust Windows 10 parental controls for further information if you’re alright with that.
Use Group Policy to Disable Apps on Windows 10
You can lock apps on Windows 10 using Group Policy if you’re running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. This is how:
- Press windows+R and type gpedit.msc and hit enter. This will open up the Group Policy Editor.
- Go to User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System .
- Double click Don t run specified Windows applications .
- Select Enabled and click on Show .
- Add the names of applications you want to block. You have to enter the names of the exe files.
- Click on Apply .
- Click Ok .
The programmes you’ve chosen will no longer be launched and will be disabled on your computer. Although this isn’t technically app locking, Windows 10 PCs come with a built-in solution that you can employ. Additionally, gpedit isn’t installed on Windows 10 Home, which is another drawback. On Windows 10, you can easily enable Group Policy Editor, though.
Lock your private apps on Windows 10!
The aforementioned software ought to be adequate for your app locking needs and ensure that no one can access your confidential information or use various apps and pieces of software. Windows 10 parental controls are another option, but they are useless if you want to lock programmes on your own user account. Install one of these apps, and then let us know how it goes. Comment here and share your thoughts.