How to encrypt or decrypt a folder on Windows (2024)

How to encrypt a folder on Windows

1. Right-click the folder and select “Show more options” then “Properties”.
2. Make sure you’re on the General tab and click on “Advanced”.
3. Check the box next to “Encrypt contents to secure data” and click “Ok”.
4. Click “Apply”.
5. You get to choose between “Apply changes to this folder only” or “Apply changes to this folder, subfolder and files”. Choose the option you prefer and then click “Ok” and “Ok” again.
6. The folder is now displayed with a padlock on it. The encryption is tied to your Windows user account so only your account can be used to access the folder and/or files and decrypt them.

How to decrypt a folder on Windows

1. Ensure you are logged in with the user account you used to encrypt the folder.
2. Right-click the folder and select “Show more options” then “Properties”.
3. Make sure you’re on the General tab and click on “Advanced”.
4. Uncheck the box next to “Encrypt contents to secure data” and click “Ok”.
5. Click “Apply”.
6. You get to choose between “Apply changes to this folder only” or “Apply changes to this folder, subfolder and files”. Choose the option you need and then click “Ok” and “Ok” again.
7. The folder is no longer displayed with a padlock on it indicated the folder has been decrypted.