When using EFS, what happens if you copy an unencrypted file into an unencrypted folder on the same drive?

When copying an unencrypted file into an unencrypted folder on the same drive, the original characteristics of the file remain unchanged. This means that the copied file will still be unencrypted once it's placed in the destination folder.

EFS, or Encrypting File System, works by encrypting files stored in specific folders designated for encryption. If a file is placed in a folder that is not set to be encrypted, it retains its unencrypted status regardless of which folder it is moved to. The underlying mechanisms of EFS ensure that encryption only applies to files within designated encrypted directories or that have been explicitly marked for encryption.

Thus, when moving or copying unencrypted files into unencrypted folders, their attributes, including their encryption status, remain intact, and they do not undergo any transformation. This reflects how file attribute enforcement works in relation to encryption within the Windows operating system.