Block unknown storage, stop ordinary USB file copying, allow trusted company drives, restrict phone or media channels, and review access events on Windows PCs.
Quick answer: choose USB Lock when the risk is an unknown drive being connected to a Windows PC or files being copied out. Choose USB Encryption when approved users need to carry confidential files and those files must remain password protected if the drive is lost or used elsewhere.
Choose by the Problem You Need to Solve
Create a password-protected private area and a normal public area on a flash drive, memory card, or external USB disk.
Encrypt approved company drives, whitelist them on managed PCs, and block unknown removable media from being used.
The easiest way to remember the difference is location: USB Lock protects the Windows endpoint; USB Encryption protects the data on the removable drive.
USB Lock vs USB Encryption Feature Comparison
| Requirement | GiliSoft USB Lock | GiliSoft USB Encryption |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Control removable devices and transfer channels on Windows PCs. | Protect files stored on removable media with password encryption. |
| Blocks unknown USB drives | Yes. Apply storage restrictions and trusted-device rules. | No. It protects the selected drive rather than blocking other devices. |
| Approved-device whitelist | Yes. Add trusted drives and export or import the whitelist. | Not its purpose. Access is controlled by the encrypted area's password. |
| Read and write restrictions | Yes. Configure access rules for removable storage on the PC. | Files in the public area remain ordinary; files in the secure area require unlocking. |
| Password-protected private area | No. It controls device access rather than creating encrypted storage. | Yes. Choose the secure-area size and set an access password. |
| Normal public area on same drive | Not applicable. | Yes. Keep everyday files public while private files stay encrypted. |
| Phone, CD/DVD, and device-channel control | Yes. Configure supported channels from one policy interface. | No. It is focused on encrypted removable storage. |
| Access or intercept records | Yes. Review permitted and blocked activity. | Not a Windows endpoint activity-audit product. |
| If the drive is lost | A USB Lock policy on the original PC does not encrypt an ordinary drive. | The secure area remains password protected instead of exposing ordinary open files. |
| Best fit | Offices, shared PCs, support desks, schools, and managed Windows endpoints. | Travel, field work, client delivery, backups, and confidential portable files. |
See the Difference in the Software
USB Lock: approve devices on the PC
Add company drives to the whitelist, keep unknown storage restricted, and export the approved-device list for use on other managed computers.
USB Encryption: divide and protect the drive
Select a removable drive, choose how much space belongs to the encrypted secure area, and keep the remaining space available as a public area.
USB Lock: control removable-media access
Apply practical USB and storage rules from Windows without physically covering every port or visiting each PC to remove a hardware lock.
USB Encryption: unlock the private area
Enter the password and choose a virtual drive letter. The secure area mounts for normal file work and can be closed when the work is finished.
Which Product Fits Your Situation?
Stop employees copying files to personal USB drivesUse USB Lock. Block writing to removable storage or allow only approved company devices.
Protect client files carried on a flash driveUse USB Encryption. Store confidential files in the password-protected secure area and keep nonsensitive delivery files in the public area.
Keep unknown drives off shared office PCsUse USB Lock. Apply a consistent policy and review access events when users connect removable media.
Protect a portable backup if the drive is lostUse USB Encryption. An ordinary USB Lock rule on one PC does not convert open files into encrypted files.
Deploy approved encrypted drives to a teamUse both. Encrypt the company drives first, whitelist them with USB Lock, then block unknown storage on managed PCs.
How to Use USB Lock and USB Encryption Together
Companies often need two controls at once: only approved drives should connect to office PCs, and approved drives should not expose confidential files if they are lost. A combined setup handles both requirements.
1
Prepare the company drives
Use USB Encryption to create a secure area, set the password, and decide how much public space is needed for ordinary exchange files.
2
Add each approved drive to USB Lock
Connect the drive to the managed Windows PC and add it to the trusted-device whitelist.
3
Export and reuse the whitelist
Export the trusted-device list and import it on other managed PCs instead of rebuilding every approved entry by hand.
4
Test approved and unknown devices
Confirm the approved encrypted drive works normally, then connect an unapproved test drive and verify that the intended restriction is applied.
5
Review access records
Check USB Lock activity after deployment and update the whitelist when company drives are replaced or reassigned.
Practical result: USB Lock decides which removable devices the Windows PC accepts; USB Encryption keeps confidential files protected on the approved drive.
USB Lock vs USB Encryption FAQ
Does USB Lock encrypt files on a flash drive?
No. USB Lock controls access to removable devices and transfer channels on Windows. Use USB Encryption when the files on the drive itself must be password protected.
Does USB Encryption stop other USB drives from connecting?
No. It encrypts the selected removable drive. Use USB Lock to block unknown devices or allow only approved drives on a Windows PC.
Which product should a company install on shared PCs?
USB Lock is the direct fit for shared-PC device policy. If staff also carry approved drives outside the office, add USB Encryption to protect the files stored on those drives.
Can an encrypted drive still contain public files?
Yes. USB Encryption can create a private secure area and leave a normal public area on the same removable drive.
Where can I find setup instructions?
See the USB Lock help center, the USB whitelist guide, and the USB Encryption user guide.
Control removable devices on Windows
Block unknown storage, allow trusted company drives, restrict transfer channels, and review activity.
View USB LockFeatures and screenshotsPassword protect data on the drive
Create a private encrypted area for confidential files while keeping public space for ordinary sharing.
View USB EncryptionFeatures and screenshots