Set up EncFS under Windows - how it works

There are different ways to set up EncFS on Windows. The two best options for different needs are Boxcryptor Classic and Safe. We'll show you how to install and set up the two tools. The encrypted folders can also be opened with both programs, regardless of how they were created.

Set up EncFS on Windows with Boxcryptor Classic

Boxcryptor creates a folder for you in which the encrypted files are created. These keep their real file names, but the content cannot be read without decryption. To set up Boxcryptor Classic, you need administrator rights. If you don't have it, you should try Safe; to store more than 15 GB of data, you'll need to purchase the paid version of Boxcryptor Classic.

1. Install Boxcryptor Classic. Do not choose version 2.x. This is not compatible with EncFS.
2. After installation, you will be presented with two options: "Create a new Boxcryptor Classic folder" and "Open Boxcryptor Classic folder". Choose the first option.
3. Select "User-defined" as the storage location.
4. Click on "Browse" and select the location where the folder with the encrypted files should be created.
5. In the field below, choose a name for the folder. You can also change this later.
6. In the next step you will be asked to choose a drive letter. It makes sense to leave this at Z :.
7. Now the password is requested. Choose a secure password. Now click on Finish.
8. If you want, you can back up the key. You will be asked to do this in the last step.
9. After you click on "Close", the directory is automatically mounted like a USB stick.
10. Always save your files there and not in the encrypted folder.
11. To unmount the directory, close Boxcryptor Classic using the icon in the taskbar.

Set up EncFS in Windows with Safe

With Safe, EncFS can also be used without administrator rights. How to set up EncFS with Safe on Windows.

1. Download the free Safe program.
2. Unzip the ZIP file to any location and run the Safe.exe file.
3. After installation, the program advises you to make some settings for which you need administrator rights. However, you can also ignore these if you cannot obtain administrator rights.
4. To create a new directory, select "Create a new Safe". If the dialog does not appear, right-click on the safe icon in the task bar and select "Create New ...".
5. Click on "Browse" and select the folder in which the directory is to be created.
6. The name of the directory is specified in the "Safe Name" field.
7. Now enter the password twice and also pay attention to password security.
8. Setup takes a moment, then the directory is available as a network drive.

In the next practical tip you will learn how to encrypt your e-mails with Thunderbird using PGP.