Synchronized files use Windows 10 encryption locally but not on the OneDrive for work or school site (2024)

Synchronized files use Windows 10 encryption locally but not on the OneDrive for work or school site

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This article contains information about how to use the OneDrive sync app (onedrive.exe).

Note:To determine which OneDrive sync client you're using, see Which OneDrive app?

Problem

Consider the following scenario:

You use the following method in Windows 10 to encrypt the contents of a file or a folder:

  1. Right-click the folder or file that you want to encrypt, and then select Properties.

  2. Select the General tab, and then select Advanced.

  3. Select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box, click OK, and then click OK again.

You use the sync app to synchronize the encrypted file or folder:

In this scenario, when you view the synchronized file or folder on your OneDrive for work or school site, Windows 10 encryption is not applied to the file or folder. However, the Windows 10 encryption is applied to the same file or folder on the local hard disk.

Solution

This is expected behavior. Windows 10 encryptionoccurs only on the local disk on which the file or folder was encrypted. When a file is moved from the local disk to the OneDrive for work or school site, the Windows 10 encryption from the client computer is no longer applied.

More information

The following additional information applies to files that are encrypted in Windows 10 and are uploaded to OneDrive for work or school or SharePoint in Microsoft 365:

  • Files and folders that are uploaded to the SharePoint in Microsoft 365 Document library are available to users through the usual SharePoint in Microsoft 365 permissions.

  • A Windows 10 client won't encrypt the files or folders within the OneDrive for work or school library on the site.

  • On the OneDrive for work or school site, when you create a file or a folder that's configured to synchronize by using the sync app (onedrive.exe), the item will synchronize to the local computer as a file or folder without encryption. For encryption to occur, you must move the file or folder from the encrypted synchronized folder (such asOneDrive – Contoso) to the desktop or another folder, and then move it back to the encrypted folder in Windows 10.

Note:This article doesn't describe data encryption in SharePoint in Microsoft 365 and OneDrive for work or school.

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Synchronized files use Windows 10 encryption locally but not on the OneDrive for work or school site (1)

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As an expert in Microsoft technologies and OneDrive, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge to address the intricacies outlined in the provided article on troubleshooting OneDrive synchronization issues, particularly regarding Windows 10 encryption.

Understanding the Scenario: The article describes a scenario where users encrypt files or folders in Windows 10 using the built-in encryption feature and then attempt to synchronize these encrypted files or folders with OneDrive for work or school. The issue arises when, upon viewing the synchronized files or folders on the OneDrive for work or school site, Windows 10 encryption is not applied, even though it remains intact on the local hard disk.

Expert Analysis: This behavior, as stated in the article, is deemed expected. The encryption applied in Windows 10 occurs solely on the local disk where the file or folder was encrypted. When these files are moved to the OneDrive for work or school site, the Windows 10 encryption from the client computer is no longer applicable.

Additional Information: The article provides valuable additional information related to files encrypted in Windows 10 and uploaded to OneDrive for work or school or SharePoint in Microsoft 365:

  1. Files and folders in the SharePoint in Microsoft 365 Document library are subject to the usual SharePoint permissions.
  2. Windows 10 clients do not encrypt files or folders within the OneDrive for work or school library on the site.
  3. When creating a file or folder on the OneDrive for work or school site configured to synchronize using the sync app (onedrive.exe), the item synchronizes to the local computer without encryption. Encryption only occurs when the file or folder is moved from the encrypted synchronized folder to another location and then moved back to the encrypted folder in Windows 10.

Important Note: The article explicitly states that it does not cover data encryption in SharePoint in Microsoft 365 and OneDrive for work or school, emphasizing the need for users to refer to other sources for information on this specific topic.

Conclusion: For those seeking assistance with OneDrive synchronization or encountering related issues, the article recommends reaching out to Microsoft Support, with specific guidance for administrators directing them to resources tailored for OneDrive admins and the Microsoft 365 Tech Community.

As an enthusiast in this field, I am available for any further inquiries or clarifications on topics related to OneDrive, Windows 10 encryption, and Microsoft 365 services.

Synchronized files use Windows 10 encryption locally but not on the OneDrive for work or school site (2024)

FAQs

Synchronized files use Windows 10 encryption locally but not on the OneDrive for work or school site? ›

Solution. This is expected behavior. Windows 10 encryption occurs only on the local disk on which the file or folder was encrypted. When a file is moved from the local disk to the OneDrive for work or school site, the Windows 10 encryption from the client computer is no longer applied.

Does OneDrive encrypt files locally? ›

BitLocker-encryption - On Windows 10 PCs, OneDrive syncs your Personal Vault files to a BitLocker-encrypted area of your local hard drive. Automatic locking - Personal Vault automatically relocks on your PC, device, or online after a short period of inactivity.

Can OneDrive be synchronized to a local drive? ›

With OneDrive, you can sync files between your computer and the cloud, so you can get to your files from anywhere - your computer, your mobile device, and even through the OneDrive website at OneDrive.com.

What system does Windows 10 use to encrypt files and folders? ›

EFS allows you to apply encryption to already-existing files and folders into your system. The full form of EFS is Encryption file system.

How to secure files and folders in Windows 10 with encryption? ›

Right-click (or press and hold) a file or folder and select Properties. Select the Advanced button and select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box. Select OK to close the Advanced Attributes window, select Apply, and then select OK.

What are the disadvantages of OneDrive? ›

The disadvantages of OneDrive are limited sharing options, limited file management, and limited desktop synchronisation settings. Limited Sharing Options: OneDrive's sharing options are limited compared to other cloud storage services, making sharing files with non-Microsoft users difficult.

Are my files on OneDrive private? ›

The files and folders you store in OneDrive are private until you decide to “share” them with specific people.

What is the difference between locally available and always available in OneDrive? ›

When you open an online-only file, it downloads to your device and becomes locally available. You can open a locally available file at anytime even without Internet access. To make a file always available, even when you're offline: Right-click it and select Always keep on this device.

How do I stop local files from syncing to OneDrive? ›

Short answer, you can stop files from going to OneDrive in three easy steps:
  1. Go to OneDrive settings.
  2. Click the taskbar icon > click “More (three dots)” in the pop-up window.
  3. Click “Pause syncing”. You can select how long to pause the process, 2 hours, 8 hours, or 24 hours.

How do I keep OneDrive files locally only? ›

In File Explorer, you can mark a file or folder for offline use or as online-only by right-clicking the item and select Always keep on this device or Free up space.

Does Windows 10 automatically encrypt files? ›

Windows 10 automatically encrypts any file downloaded to the desktop or any other external drive (lock icon appears). I have to right-click the file(s), go to Properties > Advanced and uncheck "encrypt contents to secure data."

How secure is Windows 10 file encryption? ›

Despite this fact, it is not without its security drawbacks. The file encryption key is stored locally or on a flash drive, opening it up to prying eyes. Information could also potentially leak into the system's temporary files because files are not encrypted as entire drives.

Does Windows 10 have file encryption? ›

Microsoft's Windows operating system and Office suite have some built-in file-encryption features. Here's how to use them. If you're looking for a simple way to keep files and folders private on your Windows computer, you have several options right in front of you.

How to encrypt files on OneDrive? ›

Step-by-Step How To Encrypt OneDrive Folder
  1. Step 1: Evaluate Your Encryption Options. ...
  2. Step 1.5: Enable BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) ...
  3. Step 2: Create an Encrypted Container. ...
  4. Step 3: Regularly Update Your Encryption Keys and Passwords.

What is the best way to encrypt files on my computer? ›

How to encrypt files with Windows
  1. Right-click or press and hold the file or folder you want to encrypt. Select Properties.
  2. Click the Advanced… button and check the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data.
  3. Select OK to close the Advanced Attributes window and then select Apply.
  4. Click OK.
Mar 15, 2023

What happens when you encrypt a folder in Windows 10? ›

Once encrypted, Windows will provide an encryption key which should be stored for safe keeping. DO NOT LOSE THIS KEY. The encryption key provides access to your folder when you would like to view/edit the contents. If you lose the key, it will be nearly impossible to retrieve your data.

Is OneDrive secure enough for confidential data? ›

While OneDrive's built-in security tools are not enough to fully protect your data and ensure recoverability, installing a third-party solution will provide the necessary backup and restore capabilities in the event of a disaster or breach. Set up a strong backup system that automatically saves your OneDrive data.

Is it safe to store sensitive documents in OneDrive? ›

Personal Vault in OneDrive is protected by identity verification, so you can store your most sensitive files in the cloud without losing the convenience of anywhere access.

Can malware spread through OneDrive? ›

Yes, ransomware can infect OneDrive.

While OneDrive has security measures in place to protect against malware and ransomware, it is not immune to these threats. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user's files and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.

Is OneDrive HIPAA compliant? ›

OneDrive is HIPAA compliant and can be used to store, sync, and share files containing Protected Health Information provided organizations subscribe to a Microsoft 365 or Office 365 plan that supports HIPAA compliance and the file storage system is configured to comply with the Security Rule's safeguards.

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