Most of the users do not encrypt files stored in the storage section of their Windows PC or laptops. It is always ideal to encrypt files and folders on your PC and laptop to keep them accessible and safe. Decrypted files often get crashed and corrupted due to many reasons on your Windows system. Encrypted files prevent other users from accessing and reading. The encryption program you have on your Windows system does not possibly encrypt files every time you use them. Several users still do not know how to encrypt files and folders that contain personal and sensitive data. In this article, you will learn how to encrypt files and folders on Windows 10.
Method 1: By Using Encrypted File Service
It is amongst the fastest ways to encrypt files on your PC and Encrypted File Service is a built-in tool that Windows provides to its users. By using this built-in encryption service, you will be able to encrypt any file in a couple of clicks. To do so, follow the steps listed below
- Right-click on the file and folder you wish to encrypt.
- Choose Properties from the available option after a right-click.
- After that, click on the Advanced button from the General tab.
- After that, click on Encrypt Content To secure Data under the Compress and encrypt attributes section.
- Now, apply changes to the folders, files, and subfolders when prompted.
- The newly encrypted files and folders will become green to assure you they have been encrypted successfully.
Method 2: Encrypt files & Folders By using Microsoft Office
Very few users are aware of Microsoft Office’s file encryption feature. A majority of users encrypt Office documents rather than other files and folders. To keep your Office documents safe and always accessible, follow the steps listed below;
- First of all, open Microsoft Office file you are willing to encrypt with a proper office application in it.
- After opening up the file, choose the File tab available at the top left corner of the screen.
- Click on Protect the document option under Info tab.
- There lies an option of Encrypt With Password.
- After clicking on that, set the password in a newly appeared box and click on OK.
- After clicking OK, your Office file is encrypted with the password you set on it.
- To open the file or document, you will have to enter the password.
Ryan Smith is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cybersecurity. He writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs, and websites.
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