Windows 10: file encryption query

ive never bothered with file encryption before. but iam strongly considering it.. the question is, when you encrypt a file or folder, can you still download a program or images into it?*Shock

:)

 

how come i can not encrypt a file?

Hi Hamilton,

We understand that you want to encrypt your files with a password.

Encrypting your files means you secure them with a password so it won't be accessed by other people without knowing the password, just like what you aim to do with your files.

Encrypting a file using the built-in encryption for Windows is Bitlocker. There are also other third-party software that offer this kind of file encryption.

Since encrypting a file or folder with Bitlocker is out of our support scope, it would be best that you post your query in the
TechNet Forums. It is the home for all resources and tools designed to help IT professionals into more technical approach.

In line with this, we encourage you to post your query on this TechNet
Forum link for a more suitable technical resolution of your concern.

We're just a post away should you have further queries.

Regards.

 

windows 10 - encryption of files

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern, and we in Community will try to help you in the best possible way we can.

Encrypting folders and files is a way to protect them from unwanted access. 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.

To encrypt a folder or file

1. Right-click the folder or file you want to encrypt, and then click
Properties.

2. Click the
General tab, and then click
Advanced.

3.
Select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box, click
OK, and then click
OK again.

Note:

The first time you encrypt a folder or file, an encryption certificate is automatically created. You should back up your encryption certificate. If your certificate and key are lost or damaged and you don't have a backup, you
won't be able to use the files that you have encrypted. For more information.



Hope the information helps, if you have any further queries, feel free to post. We are here to assist you.

Regards,

Guru Kiran

 

Hi Pathfinder.

It depends how you do it. If you encrypt the entire drive, say with Bitlocker, then once your have proven its you, you operate as you always do.

If you use a package like Veracrypt to create an encrypted container, and a container can have folders or files, you must un-encrypt the container and then you use it like normal. When finished you close the container.

A word of caution, encryption you have access to today is very strong. If you lose the keys you lose the information. Think through where you will keep backup keys. Also create a couple of use cases to ensure you can access your data. Like if machine MB dies how do I access, if encryption extends to backups how do you access. If you use a program like veracrypt do you have a backup of the installation files.

I backup and encrypt data I remove from house. I have program installed on second device, copies of installation files and multiple copies of keys in my password vault.

Ken