Password Protect a single folder on a local area network

[PC Doctor]

I have a windows 10 box running as a file server and currently, all shared folders are open to everyone on the network without any login permissions required.

We would like to create an Accounts and HR folder and have it password protected so that when you try to access it, it simply asks you to enter a password.

What software if any is there out there to enable us to do this?

I don't want to put a server in and have access accounts etc as it's overkill for where we are at currently.

 

[Diggs]

If there are less than 5-6 users then create a user account for each on that machine and then you can assign specific rights to each folder or file by name. They only have to log in remotely once, not each time.

 

[Metanis]

If there are less than 5-6 users then create a user account for each on that machine and then you can assign specific rights to each folder or file by name. They only have to log in remotely once, not each time.

Very good idea! An important security step is to ensure that none of the existing user accounts are Administrators or they can just force access to the new "password" protected folders.

 

[Sky-Knight]

Yeah this is Windows Permissions 101, it's easier if the hosting box has Pro on it. But you make accounts with passwords for each user on that box, and you assign NTFS permissions to the folder. I always make the share permissions everyone full control, because the NTFS is easier and more granular.

There is one thing I need to point out... your assertion that everyone has access without a login is false. A login is required to access any resource on a Windows system from the network. The reason you aren't being prompted is because the machines are logging in with a username / password pair that match your "server".

 

[Markverhyden]

Yep, in a business environment you don't want "open" access. Ever. I'm guessing they want to have one set of access for workers and one for management. What are the clients OS's?

 

[Mick]

I echo Mark's question. If these are all Win 10 Pro boxes, then GP will help you here.

 

[PC Doctor]

yep all Windows 10

 

[Markverhyden]

yep all Windows 10

But are they Home or Pro?

 

[Mick]

Just to amplify this a bit: with Win 10 Pro, you get a few extras. Access to Group Policy being one of them. With Home editions, you don't.

 

[PC Doctor]

some home, some pro

 

[thecomputerguy]

Set the important people up with a shared Dropbox or OneDrive?

Then they can also access the data via mobile.

 

[Markverhyden]

That mix of W10 doesn't help for control. As @thecomputerguy said look at cloud solutions. Alternatively you could install a Synology box.