How to encrypt files and folders on Windows 11

Encrypt files and folders on Windows 11

Like Windows BitLocker, EFS Encryption can be used to encrypt the most important files on your PC. Using built-in encryption is easy and at your fingertips. Additionally, since EFS is tied to your user account, we'll show you how to back up your encryption keys to a safe location so you never lose access to your files and folders.

Note: To use EFS, your PC must be running Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. EFS encryption is not available on Windows 11 Home edition.

To encrypt a folder full of files or a single file, use the following steps:

1. Launch File Explorer and navigate to the file or folder you want to encrypt.
2. Click Properties from the context menu that appears.
3. Make sure the Generaltab is selected and click the Advanced button.
4. On the Advanced Properties screen, under the Compression or Encryption properties section, check Encrypt content to protect data Options.
5. Click OK.
6. You will be returned to the folder properties screen - click Apply.
7. Select the option to apply changes to the folder only or to apply changes to the folder and all its contents and click OK.
8. Now that you have encrypted your data, you will see a lock icon next to the folder and the files within it.

Back up your EFS encryption key

After the encryption process, Windows 11 should notify you to back up your encryption key. Although EFS encrypted data can only be accessed using Windows login credentials, it is critical to back up your keys. For example, if your drive becomes corrupted and you need the files, you can only access them using the key.

Backing up encryption keys may sound daunting, but Windows makes the process simple and straightforward by following a wizard.

To back up your file encryption certificates and keys, use the following steps:

1. Click on the system tray EFS icon in .
2. Select the Back up now (recommended) option.
3. Click Next to start the Certificate Export Wizard.
4. Keep the default selections and click Next.
5. Check the Password box and enter the password you want to use to access the encrypted file twice.
6. Click Next.
7. Type a name for the file and click Next.
   Please note that here you need to backup it to an external drive like flash drive and store it in a safe location. Click the Browse button and select the location.
8. After completing the wizard and saving the key to the drive, you will see a notification that it was successful - click Finish and then Click OK .

If you lose access to your user account, you can use a backup key to access your EFS encrypted files.

Back up EFS keys without notification

If you happen to miss the EFS backup notification, you can still back up manually.

1. Press the keyboard combination Windows key R to bring up the "Run" dialog box.
2. Type certmgr.msc and press Enter key or click "OK".
3. Navigate to Personal > Certificates.
4. Right-click the EFS file and select All Tasks > Export.
5. The Certificate Export Wizard will open and you can follow the on-screen wizard to back up your key.

Protect your data on Windows 11

As Windows continues to mature, so do its privacy and security tools. If you want an easy way to encrypt files and folders on your home computer, EFS is a straightforward encryption method. So when you encrypt your files and folders on Windows 11, you’ll have peace of mind that it’s safe.

EFS is not as secure as BitLocker because encryption keys are saved locally and can be leaked into temporary files because the entire drive is not encrypted. However, Windows users have been using EFS encryption since the days of XP Pro. EFS will do the job for the average home user who wants to protect important documents and folders.

Windows 11 offers additional protection tools for your PC, such as TPM on Windows 11 and the ability to perform a full system backup. If you want to encrypt your portable drive, check out how to use BitLocker on Windows 11.

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