WinUtilities EXE Protector

Configuring a computer to be used with multiple users is a neat way to prevent others from accessing your important data, but also to keep them off things they shouldn’t be doing, like playing instead of working. A simple protection method is to add a password, task which can easily be accomplished by WinUtilities EXE Protector.

Easily protect EXE files

As the name suggests, the application’s main targets are EXE files, in an attempt to add an extra security layer which only you can bypass. The overall task is easy to put in motion, and the application is not required to run the protected file, but it does need to be used to remove the password, or set a new one.
The whole process is guided by a wizard-driven interface, with thorough descriptions in every step, so you don’t get stuck along the way. Needless to say that one of the first steps you need to take is load the target EXE file, with a built-in browse dialog to help you out. It would have been useful to see context menu integration, or at least support for drag and drop.

Intuitive, wizard-driven process

In any case, you later on land on the step requiring a password. You can show or hide it, with a confirmation field as well. Sadly, there’s no strength indicator, nor any built-in password generator in case you don’t know what to use. What’s more, there’s no option to add one password to more files at a time, so if you use different ones, make sure to write them down on remember them.
The application also comes equipped with a history tracker to help you remember what programs executables you encrypted. However, the password isn’t shown, nor is there an option to reveal it. In case you want to remove a password, you simply have to tick the corresponding option in the process, and go through with instructions.

In conclusion

Bottom line is that WinUtilities EXE Protector does exactly what the name suggests, and that is to help you protect program executables from individuals that don’t need or aren’t allowed to run certain things. Although it could have used some advanced features, or at least context menu integration for quick trigger, it’s worth a try overall.