protecting a folder with a password

[luv2liv]

using win7 pro, is there a way to set a password to a folder?
using ZIP to zip up a folder with a password is waste of time. every time i need to see something, i would have to unzip.
another method i see people do on youtube is set up a BAT file that has a password in plain txt. here's an example

both are terrible. is there a better way of doing this?

 

[corkyg]

You can also encrypt a folder.

 

[luv2liv]

You can also encrypt a folder.

i know i should have multiple users account set up. but even sometimes i forget to Lock the computer up so any friends can use.
what i really want is....anyone can see the folders. but if they want to open the "finance" or "password accounts," to view the specific files, Win7 will ask for a password before displaying.

 

[JackMDS]

https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000705.htm

 

[corkyg]

You can also put such folders on an external drive or thumb drive you can secure. Windows does not provide for folder passwords, but there are 3rd party apps that can do this.
http://www.digitalcitizen.life/5-tools-password-protect-your-folders-windows