Disable EFS and backup files to external hdd without being encrypted

Hello,

I have two computers, one with windows 7 Ultimate, and other with windows 8.1 Pro.
I have observed that if I want to copy files and folders from computer's internal HDD to other drive (like external HDD or second HDD) the operating system will promt me to backup the encryption key. The EFS encryption file system is running.

What I want is to permanently deactivate this feature/service so I can backup my folders (photos and documents) without the risk of being encrypted. Because, if I lose my key, I will lose my data too...

Is this possible.

Thank you in advance.

I believe the same procedure applies to both OSs (win 7 and 8)

Thank you

Brink said:

Hello Kenobi,

Usually, you just wouldn't encrypt files and folders with EFS if you didn't want to use it since they are not automatically encrypted.

Before disabling EFS, be sure that you decrypt all files and folders encrypted by EFS first.

Encrypted Files - Find All on the Local Hard Drives

Encrypt or Decrypt a Folder or File

Encryption - Disable or Enable

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn