why can't I encrypt?

[boynigel]

running 12.3.1 on a brand new Mac Studio M1 Max. I have a new external drive connected, with data on it, that I want to encrypt (preferably just 1 folder in particular, but I'll do the whole drive if need be). did a web search on how to do it and right out of the gate w/the very first step, I don't get the results they say I should. for example, "control click the drive that you want to encrypt, and select 'encrypt'". Nope. Encrypt isn't even a given option so I can't even get to step two.

I've tried multiple instruction sources, including apple's own, specifically for Monterey. I know that depending on how you encrypt, it might be required to erase the disk, but some instructions gave steps for not having to erase. Am I missing something here?

 

[BanditoB]

In reading about encrypting disks, I read that the disk must be formatted with the GUID Partition Map in order for MacOS to encrypt it. Do you know how your disk has been formatted?

If you run Disk Utility and select your external drive and then click on Partition it should come up and show you information about the partition on your external drive. It will be listed as Scheme. If it's not GUID, then that's your problem.

 

[boynigel]

In reading about encrypting disks, I read that the disk must be formatted with the GUID Partition Map in order for MacOS to encrypt it. Do you know how your disk has been formatted?

If you run Disk Utility and select your external drive and then click on Partition it should come up and show you information about the partition on your external drive. It will be listed as Scheme. If it's not GUID, then that's your problem.

my disk was never formatted. I started using it right out of the box. I know I can format if I want to wipe the drive and start from scratch but would like to save the time/hassle if possible

 

[lcubed]

have you fired up disk utility and check what formatting scheme was used on the external drive?

 

[glenthompson]

Most drives are shipped with some variation of FAT. If so you will have to convert it to an Apple format with Disk Utility.

 

[velocityg4]

my disk was never formatted. I started using it right out of the box. I know I can format if I want to wipe the drive and start from scratch but would like to save the time/hassle if possible

Try using Veracrypt instead. To encrypt the drive or make an encrypted container. If you don't want to reformat.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

If it's only one folder that absolutely needs encryption, I wouldn't bother with the "whole disk".

Have you tried something called "Encrypto" ?
It's free. Works on folders, too (just tried it to confirm that).

‎Encrypto: Secure Your Files

‎Encrypto is a free, easy-to-use app that lets you encrypt files with AES-256 encryption and then send them to friends or coworkers. It works on both Mac and Windows, so you can send encrypted files without worrying whether the other person can open it or not. Protect Files with AES-256...

apps.apple.com

Hmmm.... not sure if this would be best for a folder that needs to be accessed frequently. It seems to be more for "sending stuff" and longer-term storage.

For files that I need to be kept "secure", I create an encrypted disk image using disk utility (10mb in size will do), and put them "in there"...

 

[BanditoB]

my disk was never formatted. I started using it right out of the box. I know I can format if I want to wipe the drive and start from scratch but would like to save the time/hassle if possible

That explains it then. As glenthompson mentioned, the vast majority of disks come preformatted as exFAT to accommodate the larger disk sizes and keep them compatible across various operating systems. So, if you want to use MacOS's built-in encryption then reformatting will be necessary.

If you need to keep the directory compatible with other PCs, Windows or Linux, then you won't want to reformat the disk. You could .ZIP the file to a password protected .ZIP file. You can find apps that will allow you to do this or if you want to do it natively on the Mac, you'll need to use Terminal and enter the commands manually as shown here:

https://www.winzip.com/en/learn/tips/encrypt-zip/mac/

This would keep the file universally accessible across OSes.