What do I encrypt/decrypt a file from the command line? (2024)

A. A command line utility, CIPHER.EXE, can be used to encrypt and decryptfiles from the command line.

CIPHER \[/E | /D\] \[/S:dir\] \[/I\] \[/F\] \[/Q\] \[dirname \[...\]\]

/E Encrypts the specified directories. Directories will be marked so that files added afterward will be encrypted.
/D Decrypts the specified directories. Directories will be marked so that files added afterward will not be encrypted.
/S Performs the specified operation on directories in the given directory and all subdirectories.
/I Continues performing the specified operation even after errors have occurred. By default, CIPHER stops when an error isencountered.
/F Forces the encryption operation on all specified directories, eventhose which are already encrypted. Already-encrypted directories are skipped by default.
/Q Reports only the most essential information.
dirname Specifies a pattern, or directory.

Used without parameters, CIPHER displays the encryption state of the current directory and any files it contains. You may use multipledirectory names and wildcards. You must put spaces between multiple parameters.

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As an expert in Windows operating systems and command line utilities, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the topic at hand. My expertise encompasses various aspects of Windows, including encryption tools like CIPHER.EXE, which has been a fundamental feature since at least Windows 7.

Let's delve into the details of the provided information about the CIPHER.EXE command line utility:

1. CIPHER.EXE Overview:

  • CIPHER.EXE is a command line utility in Windows used for encrypting and decrypting files and directories.

2. Syntax:

  • The basic syntax is CIPHER \[/E | /D\] \[/S:dir\] \[/I\] \[/F\] \[/Q\] \[dirname \[...\]\].

3. Options:

  • /E: Encrypts the specified directories. Subsequent files added will be encrypted.
  • /D: Decrypts the specified directories. Subsequent files added will not be encrypted.
  • /S:dir: Performs the operation on the given directory and its subdirectories.
  • /I: Continues the operation even after errors, unlike the default behavior.
  • /F: Forces encryption operation on specified directories, including already-encrypted ones.
  • /Q: Reports only essential information.

4. Usage Examples:

  • CIPHER /E /S:C:\Documents: Encrypts all directories and subdirectories under C:\Documents.
  • CIPHER /D /F /Q D:\Confidential: Decrypts all files in D:\Confidential, including already-encrypted ones, and reports essential information.

5. Display Encryption State:

  • Used without parameters, CIPHER displays the encryption state of the current directory and its files.
  • Multipledirectory names and wildcards are supported.

6. Comments on Error Handling:

  • By default, CIPHER stops when an error is encountered. The /I option allows it to continue despite errors.

This information, dating back to January 8, 2000, underscores the longevity and importance of the CIPHER.EXE utility in Windows, particularly during the Windows 7/8 era. It reflects Microsoft's commitment to providing command-line tools for security and file management, catering to both encryption and decryption needs in a versatile manner.

As a testament to my expertise, I stand ready to address any further inquiries or explore additional facets of Windows operating systems and associated utilities.

What do I encrypt/decrypt a file from the command line? (2024)

FAQs

How to decrypt an encrypted file using cmd? ›

Decrypting Files Using the Command Line
  1. Enter the directory/folder in question using the cd command.
  2. Type cipher /d once you're within the directory to decrypt all files inside of it.
  3. You should see something along these lines if the files were decrypted successfully.

How do I encrypt a decrypt 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 the command for encrypt? ›

pgp --encrypt file.txt --recipient miller

Encrypts a file, which will be called file. txt. pgp, to recipient "miller".

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 change an encrypted file to a normal file? ›

To decrypt a file or folder:
  1. From the Start menu, select Programs or All Programs, then Accessories, and then Windows Explorer.
  2. Right-click the file or folder you want to decrypt, and then click Properties.
  3. On the General tab, click Advanced.
  4. Clear the Encrypt contents to secure data checkbox, and then click OK.
Jan 18, 2018

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 do I open an encrypted file? ›

Encrypted files do not have a special file extension, but they do have a padlock displayed on the icon. To unlock these files, all you need to do is log into your computer using your password.

How to decrypt encrypted files without a certificate in Windows 10? ›

Encryption is designed to protect data from unauthorized access. Therefore, without the access certificate or password, it is not possible to decrypt the data. - Try contacting IT Support at your old company and see if you can get the certificate or password for decryption.

What is to encrypt a file? ›

When encrypting a document or file, you will usually need to supply an encryption key in the form of a password or passphrase, which is then used to transform the document's contents in such a way as to make the document unreadable. The encrypted document will need to have the password entered before it can be opened.

What key is used to decrypt an encrypted message? ›

When you receive the message, you decrypt it by using your private key. Similarly, you can encrypt a message for anyone else by using their public key, and they decrypt it by using their private key. You can then send the message safely over an unsecured connection.

Which options are used with cipher in command prompt to encrypt or decrypt files? ›

The /e and /d switches are used with the cipher command to encrypt or decrypt a directory, respectively. The syntax to encrypt a directory is cipher /e <directory name>.

What is the cipher command in CMD? ›

For example, the Cipher /w:c:\test command causes all deallocated space on drive C to be overwritten. If C:\folder is a Mount Point or points to a folder on another volume, all deallocated space on that volume will be cleaned. You can use the Cipher /w:C command line command to remove deleted files permanently.

How to use cipher command in cmd? ›

You can use the Cipher /w:C command line command to remove deleted files permanently. To wipe deleted files from a drive other than C:, substitute the actual drive letter that you wish to scan. Data that is not allocated to files or folders is overwritten. This permanently removes the data.

How to decrypt BitLocker with CMD? ›

Unlocking Bitlocker from CMD

To try unlocking the drive using the Command Prompt, start by opening Command Prompt while logged into an administrator account. Type either "manage-bde-unlockX: -Password" or "manage-bde-unlockX: -RecoveryPassword."

What is the command to unencrypt BitLocker? ›

Control Panel

If you choose to skip the BitLocker hardware test, encryption starts immediately without the need for a reboot. manage-bde.exe -protectors -add C: -TPMAndStartupKey E: manage-bde.exe -on C: If prompted, reboot the computer to complete the encryption process.

Can you decrypt encrypted? ›

Obtain the decryption key associated with the encrypted data. Launch the decryption software or tool compatible with the encryption algorithm used. Import the decryption key into the software or tool. Select the encrypted file or folder you want to decrypt.

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