What is Encrypting File System (EFS) in Windows 7?

“Encrypting File System (EFS) is a feature of Windows that you can use to store information on your hard disk in an encrypted format. Encryption is the strongest protection that Windows provides to help you keep your information secure.”

Learn more about EFS and Windows 7

• What is Encrypting File System (EFS)?
• When should I encrypt files and folders?
• How to encrypt or decrypt a folder or file (video)
• What's the difference between BitLocker Drive Encryption and Encrypting File System?
• How to share encrypted files with another person or computer

Rob

Technorati Tags: Windows 7,EFS,encryption,BitLocker,secuirty

Comments

• Anonymous
  April 28, 2012
  can EFS be used together with SkyDrive or DropBox to ensure security, or these cloud drives only store decrypted files?

• Anonymous
  April 29, 2012
  George - I am trying to find you an official answer feel free to get in touch direct at robmar@microsoft.com rob

• Anonymous
  May 01, 2012
  George for SkyDrive as soon as the files are uploaded they will become unencrypted I am afraid. I believe there are some 3rd party services that will actually create an encrypted container for the drive/virtual drive or individual file (respectively) letting your stuff stay encrypted across the cloud and devices. but I cannot recommend a specific one. As mentioned though please email me direct if you want to follow this up rob