Encrypt Files and Folders with EFS in Windows 10  

rdwray said:

I am running Window 10 Pro but when I use Option One, it never asks me for a password and the folder does not show a lock.

Hello mate,

EFS doesn't directly password protect the folder. Instead it only encrypts the folder, and only your account has the encryption certificate and key for access by default like any other folder.

You have to sign in to your account to have access to the encrypted folder, so that's where the password protection can be from.

If you want other accounts on your computer or other computers to have access to the encrypted folder, you would have to export the certificate and key, and import the certificate and key to any account you want to have access.


The folder should have a lock overlay on it if it's encrypted by EFS.

Does is still show as encrypted in it Properties > Advanced Attributes like in option 1?

If so, refresh (F5) the page or restart the computer to see if that may update the icon.

rdwray said:

This is a sub folder and when I try to encrypt it, it attempts to encrypt the parent folder - sorry, I should have given this information before.

Odd, it should only affect the folder you opened the properties page for to Apply changes to this folder only or Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files.

Is the parent folder already encrypted?

rdwray said:

No, the parent folder is not encrypted. Does Bitlocker have to be running, it is currently in manual and not running...

No. EFS is independent of BitLocker.

EFS is for folders and files, while BitLocker is for drives.

I guess, post some screenshots showing what you're seeing when trying to encrypt the folder with EFS to see if anything may stand out.

rdwray said:

This is weird, I went to Properties > Advanced and made sure Encrypt was uncheck and then applied it and now I can encrypt the folder. I do not remember encrypting anything previously.

Odd, but at least it's encrypted now.

Hi, how to encrypt a file:

C:\Windows\System32\ExplorerFrame.dll

Thank you

RuLich said:

Hi, how to encrypt a file:

C:\Windows\System32\ExplorerFrame.dll

Thank you

Hello.,

This is a system file, so Windows will not allow you to encrypt it by default.

how to get special access permission

Thank you, but I know that, that's why I asked: HOW?