How to Encrypt Files on Windows using Encrypting File System

Created by Pavit Singh, Modified on Mon, 14 Aug, 2017 at 4:46 PM by Pavit Singh

How to Encrypt Files on Windows using Encrypting File System (EFS) Step By Step

EFS works by letting you apply encryption to already-existing files or folders in your file system. You can still edit or modify these files or folders following the encryption process. With EFS you won't notice any change in the way you access your files; all you have to do is log in to your Windows account at startup and the files will be accessible. However, this means that you need to pick a strong, difficult-to-guess password for your Windows user account. 


  • Right-click on the file or folder you wish to encrypt. 



  • Click Properties selection at the bottom of the menu.




  •  Click Advanced under the General tab.





  •  This will bring up a second pop-up window entitled Advanced Attributes.




  • Check "Encrypt contents to secure data."



  • Click OK.


  • You can choose to encrypt just that folder, or to encrypt all of the folder's subfolders and files.


  • Click OK


The computer creates an encryption key using an encryption certificate provided by Microsoft. Now your file or folder is encrypted, you won't need a password to access it other than the password you use to sign into your Windows profile when you turn the computer on.



You should back up that encryption key to a separate device, because if that key is ever lost or damaged, you won't be able to access your encrypted files. 


For Backup Of Encryption Key Click Link Below


How to Back Up Your Encryption Key

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