🐺 silentwolf - Secure desktop file encryption for everyone

🎯 About this software

Silentwolf provides a straightforward way to keep your files private. Many people store sensitive data on their computers, such as tax records, medical documents, or personal journals. You often need a way to protect these files from prying eyes. This software uses standard encryption methods to lock your folders. Only a user with the correct password can view the contents. You do not need technical skills to secure your information. Silentwolf works in the background and respects your privacy. It stores no data on remote servers. Everything stays on your local hard drive.

🛠️ System requirements

Before you install this program, ensure your computer meets these standards:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
• Processor: Any modern dual-core processor.
• Memory: 4 gigabytes of random access memory or higher.
• Storage: 100 megabytes of free space for the installation files.
• Network: An active internet connection for the initial download.

📥 Downloading the software

You will download the installer from the official release page. These files contain the necessary tools to run the program on your machine.

1. Visit the official releases page to view the available versions.
2. Look for the file ending in .exe. This is the Windows installer.
3. Click the link to start the download.
4. Save the file to your desktop or your downloads folder.

Ensure you only download software from this specific link to verify the integrity of the code.

⚙️ Installing the program

Once the download finishes, follow these steps to set up the application:

1. Locate the file you downloaded.
2. Double-click the file to open the installation wizard.
3. Windows might show a security warning. This happens because the software is new. Click "More info" and then "Run anyway" to proceed.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. The installer asks you where you want to place the files. The default location works for most users.
5. Click "Install" to begin the process. The computer moves the necessary files to your drive.
6. Click "Finish" when the progress bar reaches the end.

A new shortcut icon appears on your desktop. You can also find the program by searching for "silentwolf" in your Windows start menu.

🔐 How to protect your files

Silentwolf uses a clear interface to handle your encryption tasks. Follow these steps to lock your first folder:

1. Open the Silentwolf application from your desktop shortcut.
2. Click the button labeled "Select Folder." Use the file explorer window to choose the folder you want to hide.
3. Enter a strong password when prompted. The software uses your password to scramble the data inside the folder.
4. Confirm your password in the second box. Make sure you remember this password. You cannot access the files without it.
5. Click "Encrypt." The program processes the files. You will see a success message once it finishes.

🔓 How to recover your files

When you need to use your files again, reverse the process:

1. Open the Silentwolf application.
2. Click "Select Folder" and pick the encrypted folder.
3. Type your password into the box.
4. Click "Decrypt." The software restores your files to their original state.

🛡️ Best practices for passwords

Choose a password that is difficult for someone else to guess. Include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A long phrase works better than a short, complicated password. Write your password down on paper and store it in a secure location. If you lose your password, no one can help you recover the files. Data recovery is not possible without the original key.

🔍 Troubleshooting common issues

If you encounter problems during the installation or usage, check these common solutions:

• Software fails to open: Ensure you have administrator rights on your Windows account. Right-click the icon and choose "Run as administrator."
• Access denied errors: The program might not have permission to modify files in specific system folders. Move your data to a folder in your Documents directory before encrypting.
• Forgotten passwords: This software does not contain a "forgot password" feature for your protection. Keep your keys safe.
• Slow performance: If you are encrypting a very large folder with thousands of files, the program may take a few minutes to process. Wait for the progress bar to finish before you close the window.

✉️ Support and feedback

This project grows through community feedback and testing. If you find a bug or experience a crash, report the incident through the GitHub issue tracker. Include the steps you took before the error occurred. Providing your Windows version number also helps. You can view the open issues list to see if someone else reported the same problem. Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords or private file names in your bug reports. Keep the description focused on how the program behaves during the error.