Hide & Password Protect Apps: Keep Your Data Private
Protecting Sensitive Information on Your Windows Desktop
When multitasking in Windows, it’s common for the desktop to become cluttered with numerous open programs. This can lead to a disorganized workspace.
Among these open windows, some may contain confidential or private data. It's surprisingly easy to overlook these and inadvertently leave sensitive information visible to others.
The Need for Window Protection
Consider scenarios where you step away from your workstation or need to share your screen with a supervisor or colleague. Having a method to quickly secure and conceal windows displaying private details would be incredibly beneficial.
We will explore two readily available, cost-free tools designed to simplify the process of safeguarding your private windows.
Tool Spotlight: LockNote
LockNote is a useful application for securely storing and protecting private information within text files. Access to these files is controlled by a password.
This ensures that even if a file is accessed, its contents remain unreadable without the correct credentials.
NOTE: The image previously displayed showcased LockNote’s functionality for secure text file management.
These tools offer a simple yet effective way to enhance your digital privacy and prevent accidental exposure of sensitive data on your Windows system.
WinLock
WinLock is a streamlined utility created to conceal and secure any active window with a password. Upon activation, the chosen window is protected by a password and subsequently minimized to the system tray.
Upon launching WinLock, a compact dialog box appears, prompting the user to establish a primary password. This password will then be utilized for securing each window that is locked, including the WinLock interface itself.
After entering the desired password, select the "Hide WinLock To Taskbar Tray" option.
To secure a window, simply click on it to bring it into focus, and then activate the Ctrl + Space hotkey combination. The window will then be locked and minimized to the system tray for discretion.
Access the window again by double-clicking its icon within the system tray.
The password initially defined during WinLock’s startup must be entered. Confirm your entry by clicking "OK".
To fully close WinLock, click the "X" button located in the top-right corner of the main application window.
Window Hider Overview
Window Hider functions similarly to WinLock, providing a straightforward method for concealing currently open windows. A key distinction, however, is that Window Hider doesn't necessitate the target window to be in focus for the hiding process to occur.
Unlike some applications, hidden windows are minimized without appearing directly within the system tray. This offers a degree of discretion, making them less conspicuous to other computer users. Importantly, no password is initially required to conceal a window.
Installation and Access
Window Hider operates without a traditional installation procedure. Simply execute the downloaded .exe file to begin. Upon launch, it automatically minimizes to the system tray.
Access to the program's functionality is achieved by right-clicking the Window Hider icon located in the system tray, which reveals the application menu.
Hiding a Window
The "Hide" submenu within the Window Hider menu lists all windows currently open on your desktop, regardless of their minimized or maximized state.
Selecting a window from this list initiates the hiding process. A dialog box will then appear, prompting you to optionally secure the window with a password.
If you prefer not to password-protect the window, simply check the "No Password" box. Otherwise, enter your desired password and click "Hide" to proceed.
A warning message will be displayed, emphasizing the potential consequences of forgetting the chosen password. Confirm your understanding by clicking "OK".
Revealing Hidden Windows
Once a window is hidden, it is transferred from the "Hide" menu to the "Show" menu. Selecting it from the "Show" menu will restore its visibility.
Should you have applied a password, Window Hider will request it before revealing the window. Enter the correct password and click "Show".
Exiting Window Hider
To terminate the application, right-click the Window Hider icon in the system tray. From the context menu that appears, select "Exit".