Windows has a feature that enables files and folders for encryption. This feature, encrypting files and folders in windows, is Encrypted File System (EFS). With this Encrypted File System, individual files or folders can be encrypted. Even the subdirectories stored on an NTFS volume can also be encrypted in a totally transparent way.
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| how to encrypt files and folders in windows |
For the administrator, these encrypted files and folders look like the normal files and can be used for the regular files. But, for the non-user or to anyone except the administrator, the files are unavailable. Even if someone tries to access them, they cannot handle without the administrator permissions because they are stored in encrypted form. The encrypt files in a folder feature in windows is available on systems with a professional or enterprise edition of Windows. Home version of Windows doesn’t have access to these features.
Encrypted files or folders can be backed up. Files remain encrypted when backed up, and restored files retain their encryption. Though Windows doesn’t offer any method to Password protecting a folder to all users, this quick and easy process allows access to particular content by a specified user. It is important that only created user is able to access the folders protected in this manner.
Procedure to encrypt files and folders in windows
To encrypt a file or folder, follow these steps:
1. In File explorer, right click on the files or folders you want to encrypt, and choose properties from the shortcut menu.
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| encrypting files and folders in windows |
2. Click Advanced on the General tab.
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| how to encrypt files and folders in windows |
3. Advanced Attributes dialog box pop-up.
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| how to encrypt files and folders in windows |
4. Check box besides Encrypt Contents To Secure Data and Click Ok to return to the main properties windows for the folder or file.
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| how to encrypt files and folders in windows |
5. Click Apply or Ok to enable the encryption of files and folders in windows.
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| how to encrypt files and folders windows |
6. If any files or folders are already in the folder, you are presented with the dialog box.
You will have two options:
One is Apply Changes To This Folder Only, choosing this can result in all the files and subfolders in the folder remain unencrypted, but any new files and folders are created are encrypted by the creator as they are created.
The other is Apply Changes To This Folder, Subfolders, And Files, choosing this will enable all the files and folders in the folder are encrypted.
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| how to encrypt files and folders in windows |
Choose the options of your choice and Click Ok to enable the encryption.
The Computer creates an encryption key using an encryption certificate provided by Microsoft. Now your file or folder is encrypted. The password to access it, is the password you use to sign into your Windows profile when you turn the computer ON.
You must have a backup copy of encryption key to a separate device, because if you change the username or password or if that key is ever lost or damaged, you won’t be able to access your encrypted files.
With this encryption, you can access it and modify anytime. But other users cannot access it. Even if you copy this file to USB drive, it cannot be accessed in other PC unless you know the encryption password of your PC.
This feature Encrypted File System in windows is the useful way to encrypt folders and files to prevent unauthorized access to the files and folders without administrator permissions.
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