This article will describe how to encrypt files on Windows 11. The Microsoft Windows operating system and Office suite have some integrated file-encryption features. Here’s how to utilise them. If you are searching for a simple way to keep files and folders private on your Windows computer, there are several options available.
Thanks to Microsoft Office, you can use a built-in encryption feature to protect Office documents, such as PowerPoint presentations or Word documents.
Some Windows operating systems have an Encrypting File System (EFS), which allows you to encrypt any kind of file as well as all folders and subfolders.
EFS is only available for Windows 10/11 Pro, Windows 8 Pro, or Enterprise. Users with a home edition of Windows will require either Office Suite encryption or third-party software, such as VeraCrypt or 7-Zip.
No, either of these methods provides full-disc encryption, which encrypts your entire hard drive and its partitions. That can be done with BitLocker, which is only available for Pro and Enterprise accounts.
To set up your Windows file encryption, you will need to follow these instructions.
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What is Encryption?
Encryption means converting the plaintext data into a coded form, such as ciphertext, so that only the recipient of the data can decode the information. Algorithms are utilised to convert plaintext data into ciphertext.
Encryption is used since the time of immemorial, when the ancient people conversed with each other in a secret language that was understandable to only the sender and the recipient of the message.
Encrypt Files on Windows 11
Right-click on the file or folder you would like to encrypt and choose Properties at the bottom of the menu.
Choose the Advanced button under the General tab.
This will launch a second pop-up window entitled Advanced Attributes.
Tick the box “Encrypt contents to secure data” and choose OK.
If the line is greyed out, you may be utilising a home version of Windows that does not support EFS.
Click Apply, and then OK.
Decide how extensive you desire the encryption to be.
You can choose to encrypt the folder or to encrypt all of the folder’s subfolders and files. We would recommend the latter. If you choose, click that option, and then click OK.
You need to make sure to select the Back up your file encryption key pop-up message before it disappears.
If you miss the pop-up message, you will need to restart your computer and try again.
Microsoft provides an encryption certificate that the computer uses to create an encryption key. Now that your file or folder is encrypted, you will not need a password to access it other than the password you use to sign into your Windows account when you turn the computer on.
How to Back up Your Encryption Key
You should back up that encryption key to a separate device, as if that key is ever lost or damaged, you will not be able to access your encrypted files. The most effective method is using an external USB drive, so plug one into your PC before starting.
Click on down hidden icon arrow and open EFS UI Application.
On the encrypting file system page, click on Back up now (recommended).
Welcome to the certificate export wizard, click next.
Click next.
Tick the box next to Password, type your password twice and click Next.
Type a path to export or click Browse to select path you want to export.
Choose a directory, such as a USB external drive, name your encryption key and click save
Click next.
Click Finish.
Click ok.
Now eject your USB drive (or wherever you stored the file) and keep it in a safe place where you will remember it.
How to Encrypt Files with Microsoft Office
This process encrypts individual files that are compatible with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. Once you encrypt a file, you will need to reopen it in Microsoft Office. You won’t be able to access it in Google docs, Adobe Reader or LibreOffice.
These steps can be used for all updated versions of Office, including Windows 8.1 and Windows 10/11.
Open Microsoft Office and open a file you want to encrypt.
Click the File tab and click Info.
Click on Protect Document on the left side and select Encrypt with Password from the pop-up menu.
Type a password for the file, and then choose OK. After you exit this file, you’ll need to enter the same password to reopen it. Be sure to secure this password in a separate, secure location.
How to Delete Temporary Files
You’re not quite finished yet, though. One of the problems with Microsoft Office’s encryption is that unencrypted versions of recently opened files could still be kept in the temporary memory of your computer. You’ll want to clear that out after you have encrypted a file.
Search disk cleanup and open run as administrator.
Wait until the loading bar is completed. It’s calculating the number of files it will be able to delete.
Once the window Disk Cleanup for OS (C:) appears, tick the box Temporary Files and click OK.
Confirm the deletion and click Delete Files.
You’ll see a new window (pictured below) with a loading bar running as your files are deleted.
Once completed, the window will disappear, and the temporary files are removed.
