How to Add Encrypting File System (EFS) to the Right-Click Context Menu
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/15/2023 |
The Encrypting File System (EFS) on Microsoft Windows is a feature that provides filesystem-level encryption. The technology enables files to be transparently encrypted to protect confidential data from attackers with physical access to the computer. EFS's downside is that you have to right-click on a file, click Properties, then Advanced to encrypt or decrypt. If you use EFS frequently, you can add EFS to your Context Menu (right-click) to simplify the process.
We can accomplish this with a registry hack, so be sure to back up your registry first. That said, this is a beginner level tweak.
Press the Windows Key + R and type in regedit, then Enter. In the search bar, copy and paste
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current\Version\Explorer\Advanced
Right-click on the Advanced key and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name this new DWORD EncryptionContextMenu.
 to the right-click context menu 1 majorgeeks.jpg)
Double-click on EncryptionContextMenu to modify it and change the Value Data to 1.
 to the right-click context menu 2 majorgeeks.jpg)
No reboot is required; just right-click on any file to encrypt or decrypt as needed.
 to the right-click context menu 3 majorgeeks.jpg)
 to the right-click context menu 4 majorgeeks.jpg)
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We can accomplish this with a registry hack, so be sure to back up your registry first. That said, this is a beginner level tweak.
Press the Windows Key + R and type in regedit, then Enter. In the search bar, copy and paste
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current\Version\Explorer\Advanced
Right-click on the Advanced key and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name this new DWORD EncryptionContextMenu.
Double-click on EncryptionContextMenu to modify it and change the Value Data to 1.
No reboot is required; just right-click on any file to encrypt or decrypt as needed.
comments powered by Disqus
