
To check if your computer has a TPM chip, press Windows key + X combination on your keyboard and select Device Manager. It uses a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, which enables your device to enforce hardware-level encryption, making it harder to break than software-level security. However, instead of individual files and folders, it encrypts an entire volume/ partition on your hard drive or a removable device, irrespective of who is logged into the computer.įor starters, BitLocker comes pre-loaded on Windows 10, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 7 (not available on Windows Home editions). Using BitLockerīitLocker is a far more secure way of encrypting data on Windows 10.

Also, make sure to store your encryption key securely, and at least not as plain text. Professional Hackers can still bypass the encryption to access your private information.

Note: While EFS serves the required purpose, it’s not recommended for super sensitive data. To decrypt the files or folders you just encrypted, head back to the Properties tab again and reverse the process by unticking the box besides Encrypt Content to Secure Data option. If anyone else tries to access the data, be it from a different user account, or by physically removing your hard drive, it’ll appear as a meaningless file, and the intruder won’t be able to read the content. Now only your user account will be able to access the encrypted file or folder.

Click on Backup Now, follow the given instructions to set a password, and then save the certificate to your desired location. Once the encryption process is completed, you’ll be prompted to back up the encryption key to avoiding losing access to the files in case if the key is lost or goes corrupt. 2] Right-click on the file or folder and select Properties.Ĥ] On the next dialog box, check the box besides Encrypt Content to Secure Data under Compress and encrypt attributes.ĥ] Click on OK and then hit the Apply button.Ħ] If encrypting a folder, you’ll be asked to choose between “ Apply change to this folder only” and “ Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files.” Do as you intend to and save your changes.
