How to Encrypt a Folder on Windows 7, Windows XP

How to encrypt a folder on Windows 7, XP Encrypted File System (EFS): A security feature of NTFS under Windows XP and Higher Operatin Systems  that allows files, folders, or entire Drives to be encrypted.

Once encrypted, only the user account that enable the encryption has the proper private key to decrypt and access the secure objects.

Note: The folder must be on an NTFS file system to do this.

1. Launch Windows Explorer (Start I All Programs I Accessories I Windows
   Explorer).
2. Expand My Computer and select the C drive in the left column. (If drive C is not formatted with NTFS, select some other drive that is formatted with NTFS).
3. Select the File menu, then New, and select Folder from the submenu.
4. Type in a name for the folder (such as EFStemp), then press Enter.
5. Right-click the new folder, then select Properties from the menu.
6. On the General tab, click the Advanced button.
7. Click to place a check in the Encrypt contents to secure data check-box.
8. Click OK.
9. Click OK.
10. Log off (Start I Log om Log Off)
11. Logon to the system with a different user account (Ctrl+ Alt+ Delete, then pro-
    vide a different user name and password).
12. Launch Windows Explorer (Start I All Programs I Accessories I Windows
    Explorer).
13. Locate and try to access the EFStemp folder. Notice that you are unable to gain access.
14. Log off (Start I Log Off] Log Off)
15. Logon with the user account used to encrypt the folder (Ctrl+ Alt+ Delete, then provide user name and password).
16. Locate and try to access the EFStemp folder. Notice that you are able to gain access.
17. Right-click the EFStemp folder, then select Properties from the menu.
18. On the General tab, click the Advanced button.
19. Deselect (uncheck) the Encrypt contents to secure data check-box.
20. Click OK.
21. Click OK.

Video Tutorial: