How to Use Command Prompt to Encrypt Files (2024)

Windows

How to Use Command Prompt to Encrypt Files (1)

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Link copied to clipboard

Sign in to your MUO account

How to Use Command Prompt to Encrypt Files (2)

In this digital age, it is crucial to keep your data safe from unauthorized misuse. If you are looking to secure your PC data, one method is to encrypt important files.

Windows users can make use of the Command Prompt utility tool to secure their files from unauthorized access. Let's look at how you, too, can use command prompt to keep your files safe and secure.

What is Encryption?

Encryption, in short, keeps your data safe by obfuscating it, rendering it useless to unauthorized parties. Data is encrypted using specific algorithms which convert your data into ciphertext, safeguarding your data.

Encryption ensures that no unauthorized parties can access data that is not intended for them and is a fantastic option for protecting secure communications and preventing data breaches. On the other, hand, decryption is the reverse process that converts obfuscated ciphertext into plain text that humans can read.

There are two main types of encryption: symmetric encryption, and asymmetric encryption. Asymmetric encryption uses a public key and a private key to encrypt and decrypt data, whereas symmetric encryption uses just one key.

If your data is encrypted, it will remain secure even if it is openly available. However, if a malicious person gets a hold of the decryption keys and manages to decode your data, your data will be at risk.

How to Encrypt Files Using the Command Prompt

Fortunately, we can encrypt files using Windows' own Command Prompt and the cipher command. To do so, do the following:

How to Use Command Prompt to Encrypt Files (3)
  1. Search for Command Prompt in the Start menu search bar, and then double click to launch it.
  2. You now need to change the working directory to the folder that contains your files. For example, if I wanted to encrypt files in the test folder that is located on my desktop, I would use the command cd Desktop\Test.
  3. Now type cipher /e.
  4. Your files will now be encrypted, and Windows should show you a confirmation message to tell you that it completed the task successfully.
How to Use Command Prompt to Encrypt Files (4)

If you're using a Windows 10 Home license, you will not be able to encrypt files using the Command Prompt. The cipher utility is supported on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise licenses.

How to Decrypt Files Using the Command Prompt

The steps to decrypt the encrypted files are pretty similar:

How to Use Command Prompt to Encrypt Files (5)
  1. Launch Command Prompt through the Start menu
  2. Change the working directory to the required folder
  3. Decrypt files using the command cipher /d.
  4. Command Prompt will now decrypt your files and will display a confirmation message.

Encrypting Files on Windows 10

If you fear your data may be at risk, it is a good idea to encrypt your files and keep them secure. You can easily do this with data encryption software. Although not ideal, the cipher utility in the Windows Command Prompt is a decent method to encrypt your files securely.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Manage Your List

Follow

Followed

Follow with Notifications

Follow

Unfollow

Readers like you help support MakeUseOf. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

How to Use Command Prompt to Encrypt Files (2024)

FAQs

How to encrypt files in command prompt? ›

In Command Prompt, navigate to the directory where the files or folders you want to encrypt are located using the 'cd' command. Once in the desired directory, enter the following command: 'cipher /e [filename or folder name]'. Press Enter to initiate the encryption process.

What is the command line tool for encrypting files? ›

PGP software allows the encryption of files and folders. In most cases, PGP Encryption Desktop will allow you to encrypt individual files and folders on an as-needed basis. If you need to automate encryption into your scripting, or your automated application, PGP Command Line is an appropriate solution.

What text command can be used to encrypt files? ›

To do this, you open the Windows Command Prompt (Go Start-->All Programs-->Accessories-->Command Prompt) and type in "gpg --gen-key" at the command line. Pick the encryption method and run through the other options. For personal encryption, the defaults are a safe bet.

How to encrypt password using cmd? ›

11.1 Encrypting the Password
  1. Run GGSCI.
  2. Issue the ENCRYPT PASSWORD command. ENCRYPT PASSWORD password algorithm ENCRYPTKEY {key_name | DEFAULT} ...
  3. The encrypted password is output to the screen when you run the ENCRYPT PASSWORD command.

How to check encryption using CMD? ›

Checking BitLocker Status (Command Line)

Press and hold the Windows button on the keyboard and R , type cmd and press Enter . Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator." In the command prompt, type manage-bde -status and press Enter .

How to encrypt a file? ›

How to encrypt a file
  1. Right-click (or press and hold) a file or folder and select Properties.
  2. Select the Advanced button and select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box.
  3. Select OK to close the Advanced Attributes window, select Apply, and then select OK.

What is an example of file encryption? ›

Examples: AES is a very efficient and safe encryption technique that is now the default option for many applications. Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) and Blowfish are other widely used symmetric techniques.

What command is used to encrypt all passwords? ›

You can enable or disable password encryption with the service password-encryption command.

How to decrypt an encrypted file? ›

How to decrypt ransomware encrypted files (and recover your data without a previous backup)
  1. Step 1: Identify the ransomware variant. ...
  2. Step 2: Back up encrypted files. ...
  3. Step 3: Download a decryption tool. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the decryption tool. ...
  5. Step 5: Check the decrypted files. ...
  6. Step 6: Remove the ransomware.
Feb 28, 2023

What is the best encryption for text files? ›

The best encryption for files depends on the specific use case and requirements. AES-256 is considered one of the most secure and commonly used encryption algorithms. Although for most practical purposes, AES-128 will do just as well.

How do I know what files to encrypt? ›

As a good rule of thumb, you need to encrypt any file that contains sensitive or confidential information, whether it's legal or financial, business, or personal. This can include personal identification information, financial details, medical records, trade secrets, and more.

What file types are used to encrypt? ›

The aforementioned files that you may need to encrypt encompass a range of file types, including but not limited to:
  • PDFs.
  • Excel spreadsheets.
  • Word documents.
  • Images.
  • Videos.

How to encrypt a file using cmd? ›

Step 1: Press Win+X, hit A to open Command Prompt (Admin). Step 2: Execute one of the following commands as needed. To encrypt a file or foler, type in the following command, then hit Enter. cipher /e "PATH" (Replace PATH with the full address of the file / foler including the extension.)

What is the command line tool for encryption? ›

Command Line Utility for File Encryption
  • Use Cases: · ...
  • MODE set as genkey. ./dmtfileencryption.sh genkey <KEYFILE> ...
  • MODE set as encrypt_file. ./dmtfileencryption.sh encrypt_file <INPUTFILE> <OUTPUTFILE> <KEYFILE> ...
  • MODE set as decrypt_file. ./dmtfileencryption.sh decrypt_file <INPUTFILE> <OUTPUTFILE> <KEYFILE>

How to password protect a file using cmd? ›

How to Lock a Folder in Windows Using Cmd!
  1. Step 1: Method 1: Download My Program. ...
  2. Step 2: Run the File. ...
  3. Step 3: Type the Name of the File. ...
  4. Step 4: Type the Path of the File. ...
  5. Step 5: Comfirm Path. ...
  6. Step 6: Now Your File Has Been Locked and the Icon Has Been Changed to a "No Symbol" ...
  7. Step 7: Unlocking the File or Folder.

How to lock file and folder using cmd? ›

How to Lock a Folder in Windows Using Cmd!
  1. Step 1: Method 1: Download My Program. ...
  2. Step 2: Run the File. ...
  3. Step 3: Type the Name of the File. ...
  4. Step 4: Type the Path of the File. ...
  5. Step 5: Comfirm Path. ...
  6. Step 6: Now Your File Has Been Locked and the Icon Has Been Changed to a "No Symbol" ...
  7. Step 7: Unlocking the File or Folder.

How to encrypt Bitlocker in CMD? ›

Encrypting data volumes can be done using the base command: manage-bde -on <drive letter> or you can choose to add additional protectors to the volume first. It is recommended that at least one primary protector and a recovery protector be added to a data volume.

How to lock a computer using CMD? ›

Key Takeaways
  1. To lock your Windows PC using Command Prompt, run "Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation" in the Command Prompt.
  2. To set the lock screen timeout, run "powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_VIDEO VIDEOCONLOCK <time>" in Command Prompt as Admin.

Top Articles
The Novice Investor: What You Need to Know to Succeed
How to Afford Living Alone - A Complete Guide - The Finances Hub
Katie Pavlich Bikini Photos
Gamevault Agent
Hocus Pocus Showtimes Near Harkins Theatres Yuma Palms 14
Free Atm For Emerald Card Near Me
Craigslist Mexico Cancun
Hendersonville (Tennessee) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
Doby's Funeral Home Obituaries
Vardis Olive Garden (Georgioupolis, Kreta) ✈️ inkl. Flug buchen
Select Truck Greensboro
Things To Do In Atlanta Tomorrow Night
How To Cut Eelgrass Grounded
Pac Man Deviantart
Alexander Funeral Home Gallatin Obituaries
Craigslist In Flagstaff
Shasta County Most Wanted 2022
Energy Healing Conference Utah
Testberichte zu E-Bikes & Fahrrädern von PROPHETE.
Aaa Saugus Ma Appointment
Geometry Review Quiz 5 Answer Key
Walgreens Alma School And Dynamite
Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 3 - New Living Translation
Yisd Home Access Center
Home
Shadbase Get Out Of Jail
Gina Wilson Angle Addition Postulate
Celina Powell Lil Meech Video: A Controversial Encounter Shakes Social Media - Video Reddit Trend
Walmart Pharmacy Near Me Open
Dmv In Anoka
A Christmas Horse - Alison Senxation
Ou Football Brainiacs
Access a Shared Resource | Computing for Arts + Sciences
Pixel Combat Unblocked
Cvs Sport Physicals
Mercedes W204 Belt Diagram
Rogold Extension
'Conan Exiles' 3.0 Guide: How To Unlock Spells And Sorcery
Teenbeautyfitness
Weekly Math Review Q4 3
Facebook Marketplace Marrero La
Nobodyhome.tv Reddit
Topos De Bolos Engraçados
Gregory (Five Nights at Freddy's)
Grand Valley State University Library Hours
Holzer Athena Portal
Hampton In And Suites Near Me
Stoughton Commuter Rail Schedule
Bedbathandbeyond Flemington Nj
Free Carnival-themed Google Slides & PowerPoint templates
Otter Bustr
Selly Medaline
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duncan Muller

Last Updated:

Views: 5991

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duncan Muller

Birthday: 1997-01-13

Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

Phone: +8555305800947

Job: Construction Agent

Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.