Encrypting File System (EFS) - Windows 10 Service
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.
This service also exists in Windows 11 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows 10 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1507 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1511 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1607 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1703 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1709 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1803 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1809 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1903 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1909 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 2004 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 20H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H1 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Encrypting File System (EFS) |
| Service name: | EFS |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\lsass.exe |
| File: | %WinDir%\system32\efssvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Encrypting File System (EFS) service is running as LocalSystem in a shared process of lsass.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If Encrypting File System (EFS) fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 10 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the EFS service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Encrypting File System (EFS) is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Encrypting File System (EFS)
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 10 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreEncryptingFileSystemEFSWindows10.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the efssvc.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 10 installation media.