Information on This PC
The default application folder is %LOCALAPPDATA%\FreeAppLock, with protected-executables.vault inside it. The profile catalogue is %LOCALAPPDATA%\FreeAppLock-profiles.json. These defaults are independent of other products; brand.ini changes display identity and theme rather than these security paths.
The manager performs the protection and restoration work on local files. Its encrypted vault records details needed to recover permissions: file paths and identities, original access rules, hashes and timestamps. The management password derives the vault key; the target’s contents are not uploaded in that workflow.
A local directory catalogue records successfully opened profile-folder paths for safe-uninstall checks. It contains neither management passwords nor EXE contents. Theme preferences and optional display branding are stored locally. Protect exported kits and keep their matching passwords.
How the Vault Is Protected
Permission records use AES-256-GCM encryption. PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 derives the key from the password and a random salt. This encryption belongs to the recovery records, not the executable you restrict.
Requests to This Website
Visiting a page or downloading setup contacts the hosting server. Ordinary request information can include IP address, requested URL, browser details and time in access or security logs. Downloads do not require a website login. Opening a link to an external service is subject to that service’s policy.
A Separate Research Decision
During setup, you may be invited to participate in RelevantKnowledge research. This is a separate decision from installing Free App Lock: choose Decline or Skip if you do not wish to join. The free application remains available without participation.
If you accept, the independent research program can run in the background and collect information about browsing and application activity. Review its invitation, agreement and privacy policy first. RelevantKnowledge is operated by TMRG, a Comscore company; the app publisher may receive compensation for participation.
The research program has its own removal entry in Windows Settings → Apps. Removing Free App Lock does not remove it automatically. Silent installation skips the invitation rather than accepting on your behalf. Read RelevantKnowledge’s policy.
When You Contact Support
Share only what is needed to describe the problem. Remove private paths from messages and avoid sending passwords, recovery secrets or sensitive files. Questions about the research panel’s collection or removal should follow its own support and privacy process.