How to Show Encrypted NTFS Files in Color

Windows includes a feature called Encrypted File System that lets you lock your files and folders. This makes your data unreadable to others if your computer is lost or stolen. You can also compress files to save space on your hard drive. But how do you tell these special files apart from your regular ones at a glance?

Why: Using this feature adds a color-coded visual guide to your file list. It helps you quickly identify which files are protected or compressed without needing to check their properties individually.

What happens when done: Once enabled, your encrypted files will appear in green text and your compressed files will appear in blue text within File Explorer.

How to Color-Code Your Encrypted or Compressed Files

Follow these steps to change how your files look in Windows 11:

1. Open open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Click the three-dot menu icon at the top of the window and select Options to open the Folder Options.

3. Click on the View tab at the top of the window.
4. Look under the Advanced settings list.
5. Find the option labeled Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color.
6. Check the box next to this option.
7. Click OK to save your settings.

If you want to turn this off later, simply repeat these steps and uncheck the box, then click OK.

Summary

By enabling this setting, Windows 11 changes the text color of your files in File Explorer to show you their status. Green text means the file is encrypted for security, and blue text means the file is compressed to save space. Disabling the feature returns all file names to the standard black text, providing a cleaner look if you prefer uniformity.