Explore the features: Encrypting File System

Encrypting File System

This feature is included in the following editions of Windows Vista:

	Home Basic
	Home Premium
	Business
	Ultimate

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Encrypting File System, available in Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista, is useful for user-level file and folder encryption. For example, if two users are sharing a computer, an administrator can use Encrypting File System to encrypt each user's data to make it unavailable to the other user. For network file and folder encryption, Windows Vista enables administrators to store Encrypting File System keys on smart cards.

IT administrators can use Group Policy in Windows Vista to block the use of removable storage devices, such as USB flash drives and external hard disks, to help prevent the compromise or theft of corporate intellectual property and sensitive data.