Filtered ranking
Best File Encryption Software for Windows in 2026
8 of the 10 file encryption software ranked on listme.name match: they officially support Windows. The order uses the same scores as the full ranking.
The ranking
- 1
VeraCrypt
Free, open-source encryption for whole disks and encrypted volumes on Windows, macOS and Linux, with PGP-signed installers. It is disk-focused, so it is less convenient than Cryptomator for files in cloud folders.
Best for Encrypted disks and volumes on desktops
WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source
- 2
Cryptomator
Encrypts files before they reach Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive, under GPL-3.0, with free desktop use for personal users. Mobile apps need a paid upgrade, and the free mobile versions are read-only.
Best for Encrypting files in cloud storage folders
WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgradesOpen source
- 3
GnuPG
The main free OpenPGP implementation, under GPL-3.0, for files and email on Windows, macOS and Linux. Setup is technical, and most use needs the command line or a front end such as Gpg4win.
Best for OpenPGP encryption for files and email
WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source
- 4
age
A small, scriptable file encryption tool under BSD-3-Clause, with a Go library and installs for macOS, Linux and Windows. It is command-line only, so it suits developers rather than everyday users.
Best for Scripted file encryption from the command line
WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source
- 5
BitLocker
Built-in full-disk encryption at no extra cost on Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education. It covers the system and fixed drives but not USB drives, and its source is not published.
Best for Windows Pro users who want built-in disk encryption
WindowsFree
- 6
AxCrypt
Encrypts single files with AES-256 across desktop and mobile, with a free plan for two encryptions a month. Only part of its code is published, and full use needs a paid Premium plan.
Best for Encrypting single files with a small free plan
WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades
- 7
7-Zip
Free, open-source archiver with AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP files, plus a command-line version. It is listed for Windows only and protects archives rather than a live vault.
Best for Password-protected archives on Windows
WindowsFree and open sourceOpen source
- 8
Picocrypt
A GPL-3.0 tool for Windows, macOS and Linux that encrypts files and folders, with downloads linked from its GitHub repository. Its README warns about a fake website that posed as the official one, so use the repository link.
Best for Users who want an open-source desktop encryption app
WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source
At a glance
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Protects | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 VeraCrypt | 92.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Whole disks and encrypted volumes | Graphical app |
 Cryptomator | 91.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | Files in cloud storage folders | Graphical app |
 GnuPG | 88.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line | Files and email (OpenPGP) | Command line, GUI via Gpg4win |
 age | 87.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line | Files, scriptable | Command line |
 BitLocker | 84.0 | Free | Windows | System and fixed drives | Windows settings |
 AxCrypt | 83.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | Individual files | Graphical app |
 7-Zip | 81.0 | Free and open source | Windows | Archives in 7z and ZIP | Graphical app and command line |
 Picocrypt | 79.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Files and folders | Desktop GUI; command line also described |
