Encrypting File System

Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista

Encrypting File System (EFS) is a core encryption technology that enables you to encrypt files stored on NTFS volumes.

Product Evaluation

  • Encrypting File System (from Changes in Functionality from Windows Server 2003 with SP1 to Windows Server 2008)

    An overview of EFS in Windows Server 2008 detailing several important enhancements to EFS such as the ability to store encryption certificates on smart cards, per-user encryption of files in the client side cache, additional Group Policy options, and a new rekeying wizard.

Planning and Architecture

Technical Reference

The following documents discuss the functionality of EFS as it existed prior to the release of Windows Vista® and Windows Server 2008. The changes since Windows Server 2003 are described in the Product Evaluation section.

Additional Resources