Instructions for using EFS to encrypt files and folders on Windows 8.1 Pro

Windows 8 has a built-in encryption feature called BitLocker. However, this feature is not integrated on Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise versions.

Also, if your system does not support Trusted Platform Module (TPM), you must use USB Flash to support BitLocker operation.

If you are worried that others can access the system, search for sensitive data information, the easiest way is to encrypt the files and folders that contain that data with a long-standing EFS tool. on Windows versions.

To encrypt a file or folder, first click on the File Explorer icon in the Taskbar or on the Desktop to open File Explorer.

Alternatively, on the Start Screen screen, enter the Explorer keyword into the Search frame and select File Explorer.

Next select a file or a folder that you want to encrypt. Right-click the file or folder and select Properties.

The Properties window appears. In the General tab, click Advanced under Attributes.

On the Advanced Attributes dialog window, check Encrypt contents to secure data and click OK .

Click on OK to close the Properties dialog window.

The Confirm Attribute Changes dialog box appears. If you are encrypting a directory, you will be asked to encrypt a folder or encrypt all subdirectories inside. Depending on the intended use, give the appropriate option. Select OK to finish.

Now the Properties dialog window will close.

The file or folder that you encrypt is displayed in blue text in File Explorer.

If you encrypt all internal folders or files, these folders and files will also have the same green color.

Also in the system tray (Notification Area) on the Taskbar, you will see a popup window showing a message saying that it is necessary to back up the system, in case it is lost or damaged.

Click on that popup to proceed with the backup.

Note:

If you don't see the popup window appear, click the arrow icon in the system tray then click on the Encrypting File System icon.

After the Encrypting File System dialog window appears, click Back up now ( Back up now ) or Back up late r (proceed to backup later).

Click Next to continue the backup.

Accept the data formatting options, then select Next to continue.

Enter the password in the Confirm Password and frame Password and select Next to continue.

On the File to Export interface, select Browse .

Find the location where you want to store the encryption key. You can use a USB or external hard drive to prevent a bad situation from happening.

Then select Save.

Next select Next .

At this time, a summary table of all options appears. You can view it, then select Finish to finish.

Refer to some of the following articles:

1. How to use Bitlocker to encrypt data on Windows 10 (Part 1)

2. Instructions for using TrueCrypt to encrypt sensitive documents

3. Encrypt USB drive in Windows 7

Good luck!