Tips to open $EFS file

Can't open the $EFS file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open $EFS files as well as a list of programs that support $EFS files.

$EFS file extension

File Name Encrypted EFS
File Developer Microsoft Corporation
File Category Encoded Files

The $EFS file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the $EFS files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the $EFS file on each system platform.

Operating systems
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What is $EFS file?

The $EFS file has been categorized as Encoded Files. The author of this format is Microsoft Corporation. In addition to this file, the Encoded Files category includes 236 related files. Encrypted EFS appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use Microsoft Word to handle this file. This is a program created by Microsoft Corporation.

How to open $EFS file?

The main problem with Encrypted EFS is that the $EFS file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that $EFS files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the $EFS file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Word

In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Word application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Microsoft Word into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file $EFS with Microsoft Word. Below you will find a list of applications that support $EFS files.

Programs to open $EFS file

Remember to download programs supporting $EFS files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Word with $EFS files

If, despite the installed application, the $EFS file does not start in the Microsoft Word application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the $EFS file with the Microsoft Word program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Microsoft Word program with the Encrypted EFS file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the $EFS file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the $EFS file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the $EFS file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected $EFS file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the $EFS file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular $EFS file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft Corporation, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file $EFS except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the $EFS file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the $EFS file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.