How to Encrypt a File in Windows

[Rubina Hussain]

Security is a big concern, especially when it comes to personal information or sensitive documents, such as business documents, files with personal data in them, etc. Many people store sensitive information on their computers. Thankfully there is a way for computer users (in this case Windows) to protect sensitive files through encryption. Encryption is basically putting a file under lock and key and the file can’t be opened without a password, and the following tutorial will guide you through this process should you want or need to encrypt a file in Windows.

1. Encrypting through Office- This is one method of encrypting a file. How you encrypt depends on the version of Office you have. For example, if you have Office 2007, click the Office icon at the top left, mouse over Prepare, then click on Encrypt Document. Create a password and confirm it again to encrypt the file. Next, do a Disk Cleanup to remove temporary versions of encrypted files which aren’t protected.

2. Encrypting using file system- Locate the folder containing the files you want to encrypt. Right click on the folder and click on Properties. Click on Advanced under the General tab.

3. Check boxes- Check the box next to Encrypt contents and secure data. Next, click to apply to the main folder or folder and all subfolders. Check which you would like, then click OK and then click Apply.