Dir2Encrypt

Dir2Encrypt is an application you can use to protect the privacy of your folders, including files and subfolders, by compiling them into password-protected ZIP archives or self-extracting EXE files.
This way, you can prevent other users from accessing your personal information. It supports several encryption algorithms and can be easily tackled.

Setup, prerequisites, and interface

The installation procedure is speedy and doesn't have any options you should worry about. However, .NET Framework must be installed, since it was developed with the aid of this platform.
The interface doesn't put emphasis on its appearance, adopting a classical window with a simple design and tidy layout that gives you an overview of all options.

Protect folders from other PC users

After indicating the directory you want to protect, you can specify the new destination and name, format (ZIP, EXE with self-extracting GUI, or EXE with self-extracting console), along with the security method: highest (AES-256, used by 7Zip, PeaZip and WinZIP), medium (AES-128, used by 7Zip, PeaZip and WinZIP) and weak (used by Pkzip and Windows XP - ZIP). Alternatively, you can skip this step to create unprotected ZIP or EXE files.

Seamlessly decrypt folders

As far as the decryption operation goes, it's necessary to specify the correct password and saving directory for the folder extraction. Moreover, Dir2Encrypt can open the destination automatically on task completion, as well as stop, overwrite without confirmation or skip overwrite when encountering same name conflicts. Plus, you can preview file contents.

Evaluation and conclusion

It encrypted and decrypted directories fast in our tests while remaining light on system resources consumption. No errors popped up and it didn't freeze or crash.
Thanks to its advanced, yet approachable options, Dir2Encrypt can be handled by anyone looking to password-protect private directories. Plus, it's free for non-commercial use.