Protect Your Files: How to Encrypt Files and Folders with EFS in Windows
Looking to enhance the security of your files and folders on Windows 10, 8 or 7? Discover how to encrypt them using EFS with this step-by-step guide. Keep your data safe and secure from unauthorized access today!
- How to start encrypting data
- How to enable EFS in Windows 10
- How to create a backup copy of the EFS encryption key
- Questions and answers
- Comments
Encryption keys are connected to a Windows user account, so other users of the same PC won’t be able to access the encrypted data. EFS encryption does not provide comprehensive protection as in case with Bitlocker. First of all, the system stores the encryption keys locally so intruders can get access to them. There is also a chance of secret data being stored in system temporary or auxiliary files which are not encrypted.
Nevertheless, EFS is a quick and easy way to protect separate files and folders on a computer where several users may work. Encryption with EFS will not take long, so let’s have a look how it works.
How to start encrypting data
EFS is not available for Home versions of Windows 10, 8 or 7, so if you have one, that is unfortunate. There is no point in encrypting data if you don’t use a reliable password with your user account – access to encrypted data is granted automatically when the user who has encrypted the data logs into the system.
After the files are encrypted, the system will automatically create a backup key to let you have access to data if you have problems with logging into the system, and you can’t sign in your account. For this purpose, any removable media will do, and a USB drive will be the best choice.
How to enable EFS in Windows 10
Select files or folders to encrypt with EFS and then do the following:
- Start Windows Explorer in the Start menu, in the desktop or in the taskbar.
- Right-click on the file or folder and select “Properties” in the menu.
- In the tab “General” click on Advanced.
- Check the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data.
- Click OK, then Apply. You will see a dialogue box asking if you want to encrypt a selected folder only, or this folder and all of the folders and files inside it.
- Click “Apply changes to this folder only” or “Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files”.
- Click OK.
The files encrypted with EFS will have a small lock-shaped symbol in the upper right corner of their icons. After encryption, no one is going to have access to such files until they sign in with your account.
How to create a backup copy of the EFS encryption key
After EFS is enabled, a small icon will appear in the taskbar. This is an EFS key backup notice.
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Connect a USB drive to the computer.
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Click on the EFS icon in the taskbar.
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Click Backup now (recommended).
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Click “Next”.
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Click “Next”.
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Check the box next to the password, then enter and confirm the password. Click “Next” to continue.
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Click “Browse” and go to the USB drive to save the file.
That’s all. If you lose access to your Windows account, you’ll be able to use the backup key to access encrypted files in your computer. If you delete accidentally the files and folders encrypted with EFS, use our programs to recover encrypted NTFS files.
Is it possible to share encrypted files and folders with other users on the same computer?
Yes, it is possible to share encrypted files and folders with other users on the same computer. This can be done by using encryption software, such as BitLocker or VeraCrypt. These programs allow users to encrypt files and folders and then share them with other users on the same computer. The recipient of the encrypted files and folders will need to have the appropriate encryption key in order to access the contents.
How can you check if EFS is enabled on your Windows system?
You can check if EFS is enabled on your Windows system by opening the Local Group Policy Editor, navigating to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Public Key Policies, and checking for the presence of the Encrypting File System policy. You can also check the Properties of a file or folder to see if EFS is enabled.
Is EFS enabled by default in Windows?
No, EFS is not enabled by default in Windows. It must be manually enabled by the user.
Are there any alternative encryption tools for Windows that can be used alongside or instead of EFS?
Yes, there are many alternative encryption tools for Windows that can be used alongside or instead of EFS. Some of the most popular options include BitLocker, VeraCrypt, AxCrypt, 7-Zip, and DiskCryptor. Each of these tools offers different features and levels of security, so it's important to research each one to determine which is best for your particular needs.
How can you decrypt files and folders encrypted with EFS?
To decrypt files and folders encrypted with EFS, you will need to have access to the certificate and private key that was used to encrypt the files. You can then use the Certificate Manager tool in Windows to decrypt the files and folders.
Read about encrypting files and folders with EFS in Windows 10, 8 or 7 and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.