| Store sensitive files and photos in the OneDrive Personal Vault
By Ed Bott
Every installation of Windows 10 includes access to at least 5 GB of free cloud storage in Microsoft's OneDrive. If you're nervous about storing sensitive documents or photos in the cloud, consider saving those files in a special online folder called the Personal Vault.
The Personal Vault is an encrypted folder that requires additional authentication for access. It's not visible in File Explorer on a Windows 10 device; instead, you have to right-click the OneDrive shortcut and then click Unlock Personal Vault. That action requires you to respond to an authentication prompt to a trusted mobile device that you previously set up, using either the Microsoft Authenticator app or an SMS message sent to a mobile device. After you authorize access, the Personal Vault folder opens and you can work with its contents.
That extra security prompt means even an intruder who is able to sign in to your PC can't view files in the Personal Vault. By default, the Personal Vault folder automatically locks again after 20 minutes. If that's not enough time, open OneDrive settings and change the default to 1, 2, or 4 hours.
This feature is designed for storing documents like tax returns and bank statements, scanned images of your passport or driver's license, and intimate photos. It's also a good place to keep receipts, serial numbers, and product keys for software you've purchased. | TechRepublic Premium's PC Troubleshooting Report collects the tips and tricks you need to know in order to successfully troubleshoot problems with workstations, printers, and software in your organization. This month's report explains the new PCI... |
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