How can I password-protect my USB drive without BitLocker?

You could also try plugging your USB drive into a computer that has BitLocker and encrypting it that way. Just remember to keep your recovery key safe—losing it means you could lose your data!

Another great option is hardware-encrypted USB drives. Some of them allow you to set a password directly on the drive's internal hardware, making it really secure. Just make sure to choose one that fits your security needs.

If you don't have BitLocker, you're not out of options! If you're using Windows Home edition, consider using VeraCrypt. It's a free tool that lets you encrypt files or even create a secure virtual drive on your USB. Just a heads-up, while it keeps your data private, it won't stop someone from accidentally deleting it or formatting the drive.