Create
Choose a name, storage location, maximum size, and password for the new .gpd encrypted locker.
Private Disk User Guide
How to Create and Use an Encrypted Private Disk on Windows
Create a password-protected .gpd locker for confidential documents, photos, records, and project files, open it when private work begins, and close it when the protected content should no longer remain accessible as ordinary storage.
vault.gpdEncrypted locker container
Locker LifecycleCreate containerOpen with passwordClose after work
Understand the .gpd locker lifecycle
Private Disk keeps confidential files together inside an encrypted locker rather than protecting many unrelated folders one at a time. The locker is opened only while the files are needed.
Open
Select the locker, enter its password, and open the private storage space for normal file work.
Use
Copy, edit, organize, and save confidential files inside the opened private disk.
Close
Close the locker after work so its contents return to protected container storage.
The
.gpd file is the encrypted container. Keep track of its location and include it in your backup plan.1. Create the first encrypted .gpd locker
Choose a practical location, size, and password
- Open Encrypt Files in Private Disk.
- Click Create Locker.
- Enter the locker name and choose where the
.gpdfile will be stored. - Set a maximum size appropriate for the files you plan to keep.
- Create and confirm a strong password, then finish the wizard.
Important: store the locker password safely. Confidential files should also have a separate backup; encryption does not replace backup.
Encrypt Files: create, open, edit, and close encrypted .gpd lockers2. Open, use, and close a Private Disk
Locker list: select an existing container and check whether it is open or closedExpose private files only while they are needed
- Select the required locker in the list.
- Click Open Locker and enter its password.
- Open the private storage location and work with files normally.
- Close file and Explorer windows that are using the private disk.
- Return to Private Disk and click Close Locker.
Closing an Explorer window does not necessarily close the encrypted locker. Confirm that its status is Closed in Private Disk.
3. Manage existing lockers safely
Select a closed locker before changing its password, moving the container, or deleting it. Major changes should begin with a verified backup.
Edit LockerReview locker information and change supported settings after confirming the current credentials.
Change PasswordVerify the current password, set the replacement, and update the password record stored in your secure location.
Copy or MoveClose the locker first, then copy or move the complete
.gpd container without interrupting the file operation.Back UpKeep a second copy of important lockers on separate reliable storage and test that the backup can be found.
DeleteConfirm that required files have been exported or backed up before permanently deleting a locker.
Multiple LockersUse separate containers for personal, business, archive, or project data when clearer separation is useful.
4. Prepare protected files for portable delivery
Use the Protect USB workspace for removable and offline media
The current interface groups three delivery tasks together:
- Protect USB & External Drive: copy lockers to removable storage and prepare them for portable use.
- Protect CD & DVD Media: prepare locker-based protected content for optical media.
- Protect Email Attachments: password protect and compress selected files for attachment delivery.
Close open lockers before disconnecting USB or external storage. Use the operating system's safe-removal action after Private Disk has finished writing.
Protect USB: portable drive, optical media, and password-protected attachment tasks5. Hide or disguise supporting folders
These tools reduce casual visibility. Use the encrypted .gpd locker for the confidential files that require password-protected storage.
Hide files and folders
Add selected items to Hidden Files when they should no longer appear during ordinary Windows browsing, then use UnHide when access should be restored.
Disguise a folder
Use Disguise Folder when a sensitive folder should look less obvious, and use Non-disguise to restore its normal presentation.
6. Store private reference information in Password Wallets
Password Wallets: create, open, edit, copy, move, and delete private recordsKeep account notes and private records out of plain text files
- Open Password Wallets.
- Click Create Wallet and set its protection details.
- Add the account notes, software keys, or private reference information you need.
- Close the wallet after use.
- Back up important wallets before moving or deleting them.
Private Disk best practices
Back up the complete container
Back up the closed .gpd file to separate storage. A second copy protects against disk failure, accidental deletion, and device loss.
Close before moving or unplugging
Close the locker and any files opened from it before moving the container or disconnecting removable storage.
Keep passwords recoverable
Use a strong unique password and keep a secure offline or password-manager record. Do not rely on memory alone for critical archives.
Use clear locker names
Choose names that identify the purpose without revealing sensitive contents, especially when several lockers are stored together.
Leave enough free space
Keep sufficient space on the host drive for the locker and normal Windows operation, particularly before copying or expanding stored data.
Test restoration
Periodically confirm that backup containers can be located and that you still have the correct password and compatible software available.
Private Disk troubleshooting and FAQ
How do I open a .gpd file?
Open GiliSoft Private Disk, choose Encrypt Files, use Open Locker to select the .gpd container, and enter its password.
Why is the locker listed as not found?
The container may have been moved, renamed, deleted, or stored on a disconnected drive. Reconnect the storage or locate the current .gpd path.
Why can I not close the locker?
Close documents, media files, applications, and Explorer windows using the private disk, then try Close Locker again.
Can a locker be moved to another drive?
Yes. Close it first, copy or move the entire .gpd file, then use Open Locker to select it from the new location.
What should I do before unplugging a USB drive?
Close the portable locker, wait for all file operations to finish, and use Windows safe removal before disconnecting the device.
Can I recover a forgotten locker password?
Keep an accurate secure password record before storing critical files. Without the correct locker credentials, protected content may not be accessible.
Create one encrypted private space for confidential files
Use Private Disk to create password-protected .gpd lockers, open them only while needed, and keep portable or personal records organized.
