Encryption is the conversion of data into a form, called cipher text that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form. Encryption can be applied to data in many ways. Common categories are: Disk encryption software (also known as OTFE software), File/folder encryption, Database encryption, and Communication encryption software.
| Operating system |
Default algorithm |
Other algorithms |
| Windows 2000 |
DESX |
(none) |
| Windows XP RTM |
DESX |
Triple DES |
| Windows XP SP1 |
AES |
Triple DES, DESX |
| Windows Server 2003 |
AES |
Triple DES, DESX |
| Windows Vista |
AES |
Triple DES, DESX |
| Windows Server 2008 |
AES |
Triple DES, DESX |
Windows 7
Windows Server 2008 R2 |
Mixed (AES, SHA, and ECC) |
Triple DES, DESX |
Table shows a range of encryption algorithms supported by Windows EFS, depending on the version of Windows in use when the files are encrypted.