SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aplus-efs-files

Which Windows feature encrypts individual files and folders on NTFS volumes?

EFS, the Encrypting File System, protects individual files.

Start playing free

  1. Disk Cleanup
  2. Windows Hello
  3. Encrypting File System (EFS) ✔

Why: EFS adds cryptographic protection to individual files and directories using a public-key system. Unlike BitLocker, it works at the file level, not the whole volume.

Huh, didn't know that: Normal file permissions usually protect data, but EFS helps if a laptop with sensitive files is lost or stolen.

The dad joke
Why did the file wear a disguise? It was an encrypted-file spy.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Encrypting File System (EFS). EFS adds cryptographic protection to individual files and directories using a public-key system. Unlike BitLocker, it works at the file level, not the whole volume.

  1. File encryption, Microsoft Learn learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/fileio/file-encryption
    It provides cryptographic protection of individual files on NTFS file system volumes using a public-key system.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. File encryption, Microsoft Learn learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/fileio/file-encryption
    if a laptop that contains sensitive data is lost or stolen, the security protection of that data may be compromised.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Security & PrivacyFor BitLocker to work, the operating system drive must be formatted with which file system?Security & PrivacyWhich Windows feature encrypts an entire drive volume to protect data on lost or stolen devices?Security & PrivacyWhich feature encrypts removable drives such as USB flash drives in Windows?

That's stuff everyone should know.