FAQ

Every question. Answered honestly.

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General

The basics.

What is FileLocker?+

FileLocker is a Windows desktop app that encrypts any file or folder onto a USB drive with AES-256-GCM, plus a standalone unlock page the recipient opens in their own browser — no software install required on their end.

Who is FileLocker for?+

Professionals who hand sensitive files to clients on physical media — lawyers, photographers, accountants, and healthcare providers are the most common, but anyone with the same need fits.

How is this different from VeraCrypt or 7-Zip?+

Those tools require your recipient to install matching software to decrypt anything. FileLocker's recipient side is a single HTML file that runs in any browser — nothing to install, nothing to configure.

Does FileLocker store any of my data?+

No. FileLocker operates entirely offline. Your files, passwords, and metadata never touch a server, because there is no server involved.

Technical

Under the hood.

What encryption does FileLocker use?+

AES-256-GCM — the same cipher standard approved for top-secret classification, combined with authenticated encryption to detect tampering.

How is the encryption key derived?+

From your password, using Argon2id — winner of the Password Hashing Competition, chosen specifically to resist brute-force attacks.

What's the maximum file size?+

Stream-based AES-GCM chunking means files of 10GB and well beyond encrypt without memory issues. The real limit is your USB drive's storage capacity.

Can I encrypt multiple files or a whole folder?+

Yes. Select a folder and FileLocker zips it in memory automatically before encrypting the entire archive as one vault.

Recipient experience

What your client sees.

Does the recipient need to install anything?+

No. They open a single HTML file — Unlock_Vault.html — directly in any modern browser.

Which browsers are supported for unlocking?+

Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox are all fully supported.

Which operating systems work for unlocking?+

Any — Windows, Mac, or Linux. Only a modern browser is required, not a specific OS.

What if the recipient forgets the password?+

On Standard, there's no recovery option by design. You can set an optional password hint when creating the vault to help without giving away the password itself.

Security & privacy

Trust, verified.

What happens if the USB drive is lost or stolen?+

Nothing. The encrypted vault is unreadable without the correct password — there's no backdoor and no recovery mechanism on Standard.

Is FileLocker HIPAA compliant?+

FileLocker's offline AES-256 encryption is built to support HIPAA's physical media requirements. Always confirm specifics with your own compliance officer before relying on it for a regulated workflow.

Is FileLocker GDPR compliant?+

The same applies — FileLocker supports GDPR Article 32's call for appropriate technical measures, but compliance is ultimately your organization's responsibility to confirm.

Is there a backdoor for FileLocker to unlock my files?+

No. There is no master key and no recovery service. Nobody at FileLocker can decrypt your vault on your behalf.

Pricing & licensing

Money questions.

What's the difference between Standard and Pro?+

Pro adds white-label branding on the unlock screen, a configurable failed-attempt lockout with recovery key, priority support, and early macOS access. See the full comparison on the Pricing page.

Is there a free trial?+

Not currently — reach out via Contact if you'd like a walkthrough before purchasing.

Do updates cost extra?+

No. Both plans include lifetime updates at no additional cost.

Do you offer refunds?+

If FileLocker doesn't work as described on your system, contact support within 14 days of purchase.

Platform

Compatibility specifics.

Does the sender app work on Mac?+

Not yet. The FileLocker desktop encryption app currently runs on Windows 10 and 11 only; macOS support is on the roadmap.

Does the sender app work on Linux?+

No — Windows only for the sender app. Recipients on any OS, including Linux, can unlock files without issue.

Which Windows versions are supported?+

Windows 10 and Windows 11, both 64-bit.

Still have a question?

We respond within 24 hours on business days.