Proton Launches Encrypted File-Syncing App for Windows

Starting today, Proton, renowned for its highly secure email service, is introducing its cloud-based storage solution on Windows. Previously, Proton’s Drive service was accessible solely through the web and its iOS and Android apps. The company underwent a rebranding last year, transitioning from ProtonMail to Proton, signifying its aspirations beyond email. Additionally, earlier this year, Proton launched a password manager.

The main difference between Proton Drive and other cloud-based storage options is that it offers free, encrypted file storage by default. The service also offers all the essentials like multi-device sync, offline downloads and version history. Proton says it has seen beta Windows users download five times more data than users of its mobile and web apps combined. It says more than 65 percent of its total users access the service from a Windows device, which likely explains why the Windows app came out ahead of the Mac app. Proton claims that all files are encrypted before they are uploaded to its servers, so “not even Proton can access these files”.

For $12.99 per month or $119.88 per year, users get access to unlimited email, 500GB of total storage, and the company’s VPN, password management, and calendar services. The company also has a family sharing option for up to six users that gives you 3TB of storage for $29.99 per month or $287.88 per year. For those who don’t need the extra storage or all the extra bells and whistles, Proton offers $4.99 a month or $47.88 a year for 200GB of storage, with a free tier that gets you up to 1GB. All paid plans have additional savings if you choose to pay two years in advance.

With today’s announcement, Proton Drive now has native apps for Windows, iOS and Android. The company says a native Mac app is coming soon, though it seems to have dropped its plan to offer early access in the first half of 2023.