> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.eazybackup.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.eazybackup.com/troubleshooting/error-efs-encrypted-files-may-be-unusable-once-restored.md).

# Error “EFS-encrypted files may be unusable once restored”

**You may see a warning of this form in the backup job logs:**

`EFS-encrypted files may be unusable once restored, unless you also backup the EFS encryption keys from this PC.`<br>

To disable this warning, please ensure you have backed up the EFS encryption keys, and then enable the 'I confirm EFS keys are exported' option in the Protected Item settings.

<figure><img src="https://2026595258-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSvHh4wgiJn6bl81UXqVT%2Fuploads%2F3SSOCPU2c8Wo3q2Thr9f%2Fdismiss_efs_warnings.png?alt=media&amp;token=b48277da-1d13-472f-bf96-d182f46f455a" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

EFS is a Windows feature that allows you to encrypt individual files on disk. The backup job was successful, but if you restore the data to a new PC, the files might not be readable because the EFS encryption keys are tied to the Windows user account. In effect, the backup might not be restorable in a practical sense.

For more information, please see the full article on [EFS in the Documentation](/documentation/confirm-efs-keys-are-exported-windows-efs.md) section.

{% content-ref url="/pages/Blv9IEXr1pc8T75tOI1a" %}
[Confirm EFS keys are Exported (Windows EFS)](/documentation/confirm-efs-keys-are-exported-windows-efs.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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