How to enable or disable NTFS file encryption in Windows enabling NTFS file. Encryption is a smart move when safeguarding sensitive data, but in low risk environments or when you're relying on centralized security tools, you can opt to disable it and streamline device access. In this video we'll outline the steps for enabling or disabling NTFS file encryption in Windows. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to Ninja One's IT Video hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. What is NTFS file Encryption New technology file system or NTFS is the default file system used in modern windows systems for hard drives and SSDs encrypting file system. EFS is a built-in windows utility that provides file level encryption for NTFS drives. Unlike BitLocker, which encrypts an entire drive or volume, EFS encrypts individual files and folders, making it useful for computers shared by multiple users. How to enable or disable NTFS file encryption. There are three main methods for configuring NTFS file encryption. Using the group policy editor, command, prompt, and services, here's an overview of each group. Policy editor, GPO First open local group policy editor by pressing windows plus R and typing gp edit MSC in the dialogue box With GPO Open navigate to this path. Computer configuration administrative templates system file system NTFS locate the do not allow encryption on all NTFS volumes policy in the right pane. Double click the policy to modify it. Set it to not configured default or disabled. To allow NTFS file encryption, set it to enabled to disable NTFS file encryption. After choosing your setting, click apply. To finish the process command prompt, find command prompt, or PowerShell through the start menu. Then right click and select Run as administrator to enable NTFS file encryption. Type FS UT behavior set disable encryption zero to disable NTFS file encryption Type FS till behavior set. Disable encryption one, press enter, then restart your computer to apply the changes services. The last method is using services type windows plus R, then type services dot msc, and press enter. Next, find encrypting file system and open properties with properties open. Scroll through the startup type dropdown menu to enable NTFS file encryption. Set startup type two automatic to disable NTFS file encryption set startup type two disabled. Click apply then. Okay. NTFS file encryption offers file level security and granular control over sensitive data. However, managing it without centralized oversight can be resource heavy. For more information, check out our official blog post on how to enable or disable NTFS file encryption in Windows linked in the description below.