As we live in the internet age, data security has become an essential part of our lives. As a result, most people are focusing on protecting their data using encryption software.
Encryption software is great for protecting our files and folders on a computer. But most encryption software costs a lot. Hence, to help you out, I have handpicked some of the best free, open-source encryption software for Windows pc.
These encryption softwares are absolutely free to download and help you with all the encryption features and tools. So let’s quickly go ahead and check them out.
Best Free Open Source Encryption Software For Windows
1. DiskCryptor
At first, I have the DiskCryptor. This one is one of the feature-rich encryption solutions that you can try to encrypt all your disk partitions. Even it supports system partitions and external disk drivers, unlike most other solutions.
The application uses AES, Twofish, and Serpent encryption algorithm to encrypt your files. Plus, it offers you full support for dynamic disks.
The software is also pretty lightweight and reliable, and it runs in the background without leaving any impact on your computer’s performance.
In terms of features, this one offers you support for SSD TRIM extension, key files and pre-booth authentication, support for various multi-boot options. Plus, it is compatible with third-party boot loaders.
2. ProxyCrypt
Next, there is the ProxyCrypt. Unlike the first one, this is a command-line tool that can create encrypted volumes within a folder or hard drive. Also, it allows you to use encrypted storage volumes on your computer as the normal ones.
Although, the newbies into the world of encryption may not like the tool. But if you are an advanced user, you would love it.
Overall, the encryption software is extremely lightweight, open-source, and easy to recompile. Plus, it provides you support for AES-256, Serpent, and SHACAL-2 ciphers. It also supports key files in conjunction or replacement of the password.
Moreover, the passwords are hashed with the scrypt key derivation function. Also, you can tune scrypt for more security and speed.
3. VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt is also among the best free open-source encryption software for Windows, Linux, and macOS. The solution is designed to add extra security to the algorithms used for system and partitions encryption.
As a result, it safeguards your drives against new developments in brute force attacks. Also, it comes with some cool features.
Such as VeraCrypt creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk. Also, it encrypts the whole storage drive and supports external storage devices like USB flash drives or hard drives.
Also, it uses automatic, real-time, and transparent encryption. Also, the encryption can be hardware-accelerated on modern processors for better performance.
4. CipherShed
Next, there is the CipherShed. This one is also free to use encryption software designed to keep your data secure.
This one is an on-the-fly encryption software that creates virtual encrypted volumes. This means it will create a virtual volume on your computer like any other volume.
Also, you have to copy any files to the virtual drive, and all the files will get instantly encrypted. All these encrypted files can be copied or removed anywhere else on your hard drive. But without a password, these files won’t be accessible.
Apart from the virtual volumes, it is also capable of encrypting the system partition. But as your PC boots up, you will need to enter the decryption password.
However, there is an option to create a hidden operating system that you can use whenever needed.
5. AES Crypt
You can also check out AES Crypt. This one is also one of the best encryption software that can be downloaded free of cost. This one uses industry-standard advanced encryption to encrypt your files.
Moreover, the tool is also pretty easy to use, and it provides you the strongest encryption possible. It uses a 256-bit encryption algorithm.
Also, once your files are encrypted, no one will view or read the files unless they have the password.
Overall, the software is pretty lightweight, and it is beneficial for people who deal with sensitive information or wants to store sensitive files on the cloud.
6. AxCrypt
Lastly, there is the AxCrypt. This one helps you with strong encryption as it supports 128-bit and 256-bit encryption. Along with that, it can automatically secure your files in cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox and others.
Furthermore, AxCrypt is also a multilingual encryption solution. It supports a wide range of languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Russian, etc.
It also supports a collaboration feature allowing other AxCrypt users to open files using their own password. Also, it comes with an AxCrypt mobile app that can be used for opening your encrypted files.
But is it completely free? No. With the free version, you can only view encrypted files. But if you wish to use advanced features, then you have to pay for it. You can check out their pricing here. They have premium and business packages.
Conclusion
So that was a list of the best free open-source encryption software for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Now go ahead and check these solutions out and see which one is working out for you. Also, if you wish to ask anything else, then comment below.
