An explanation of the Encrypting File System (EFS) service in Windows 7.
What does the Encrypting File System (EFS) service do?
The Encrypting File System (EFS) service is responsible for encrypting and decrypting files and folders on your computer.
Encrypting File System (EFS) service details
- Service name: EFS
- Description: Provides the core file encryption technology used to store encrypted files on NTFS file system volumes. If this service is stopped or disabled, applications will be unable to access encrypted files.
- Path to executable:
C:\windows\System32\lsass.exe - Startup type: Automatic
Does my computer need the Encrypting File System (EFS) service?
Your computer doesn’t need the EFS service to run, but if you have encrypted files on your computer you won’t be able to access them if this service is disabled.
Should I disable the Encrypting File System (EFS) service?
First off, I have to say that it’s best to leave service optimization up to Microsoft. With that said; I would leave the EFS service alone.
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