Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu

How to Add Encrypt and Decrypt to Context Menu in Windows 7 and Windows 8​

   Information

This will allow you to add Encrypt and Decrypt to the context menu so that you can encrypt or decrypt a file or folder by simply right clicking on the item and selecting Encrypt or Decrypt.

   Note

Encrypting folders and files is a way to protect them from unwanted access. Encrypting a file or folder will prevent other user accounts from being able to open it. Encrypting File System (EFS) is a feature of Windows that you can use to store information on your hard disk in an encrypted format. Encryption is the strongest protection that Windows provides to help you keep your information secure.

Encrypting File System (EFS) is only available in the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, Enterprise, and Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise editions.

   Tip

If this is the first time that you have encrypted a file or folder on your computer, then you will also see this in your notification area to let you know that you should Back up your file encryption key.

EXAMPLE: Context Menu after Adding Encrypt and Decrypt
NOTE: Only one will appear in the context menu at a time depending on if the file or folder is currently encrypted or not.

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Add Encrypt and Decrypt to the Context Menu
A) Click on the download button below to download the file below.
Add_Encrypt-Decrypt.reg

Download


B) Go to step 3.
2. To Remove Encrypt and Decrypt to the Context Menu
A) Click on the download button below to download the file below.
Remove_Encrypt-Decrypt.reg


Download


3. Save the .reg file to your Desktop.

4. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5. Click/tap on the Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and then OK when prompted.

6. When done, you can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you would like to.

OPTION TWO

Manually Using the Registry Editor

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, the type regedit, and press Enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.

3. In regedit, go to: (see screenshot below)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

4. To Add Encrypt and Decrypt to the Context Menu
A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on an empty space, and click on New and DWORD (32-bit) Value and type EncryptionContextMenu and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

B) In the right pane, double click/tap on EncryptionContextMenu to modify it. (see screenshot above)
C) Type 1 and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

D) Go to step 6.
5. To Remove Encrypt and Decrypt
A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on EncryptionContextMenu and click/tap on Delete. (see screenshot below step 4)

B) Click/tap on Yes to confirm deletion.
6. Close regedit.
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Encrypt or Unencrypt Offline Files in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create an "Encrypting File System" Manager Shortcut in Windows
• How to Encrypt or Decrypt a Folder or File in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Restore Encrypted File System (EFS) Certificate in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Backup Encrypted File System (EFS) Certificate in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Disable or Enable Encryption in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Find and See a List of All Encrypted Files on All Local Hard Drives

 

[grimreaper]

download was much easier Shawn thank you
ps- wonder why Windows didn't have this from the beginning?
very useful.

 

[Brink]

You're welcome Grim. I'm not sure why they didn't inlcude it by default in the context menu. It sure makes it easier.

 

[Guareguao]

Brink,

I downloaded the file and merged it. I have it on the context menu. I encrypted a folder with pictures, it says encrypted but I still can see the pictures. What I am doing wrong? I have win 7 Pro. By the way thanks, this is a great forum I have learned a lot here.

 

[Brink]

Hello Guareguao, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Yes, your user account would still be able to open and view your encrypted files just like your other unencrypted files. Encrypting a file or folder will prevent other user accounts from being able to open it instead.

 

[Guareguao]

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense.

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome.

 

[headshot]

When i encrypt a file, it doesnt prompt "Back up your file encryption key" like this picture:

how to re-enable that?

 

[Brink]

Hello Headshot,

You would only see that if it was the first time you encrypted a file. It will not show again afterwards. The tutorial below can show you how to back up your file encryption key though if needed. It's for Vista, but it's the same procedure.

Encrypted File System (EFS) Certificate Backup - Vista Forums

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[dcwill83]

What program can I download that would take the place of this feature in Windows 7 Home Premium?

 

[Brink]

What program can I download that would take the place of this feature in Windows 7 Home Premium?

Hello dcwill,

The free program TrueCrypt is a good alternative.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[JDobbsy1987]

Hello dcwill,

The free program TrueCrypt is a good alternative.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

If it helps, here is a guide that may help to encrypt the whole drive using TrueCrypt.
View attachment TrueCrypt.doc

Don't forget the password



Regards,
JDobbsy1987

 

[MvdB]

Advanced EFS recovery

A question... if using the 30 trial of Advanced EFS Recovery, as stated in the thread, helps in case you lose your certificate... can't anyone use that to gain access to my encrypted files or folder?

 

[Brink]

Hello Mark,

It is possible if they have access to your computer and are able to log in and install the program, or have a copy of your encrypted file or folder.

 

[MvdB]

Hello Mark,

It is possible if they have access to your computer and are able to log in and install the program, or have a copy of your encrypted file or folder.

Thx Shawn!

Ok... that means that ultimately, my UAC admin password covers it all...
Do you know of hacker instances that would be able to achieve access through w& firewall and install such a program to gain access? If that could happen, what's the use?
BTW, thx for your speedy response! Interesting last name .. you're just missing two small words: van and den

 

[Brink]

Well, I'm sure that a pro would be able to given enough time. However, for most probably not unless you were infected by malware or a virus that allowed them access.

Having multiple layers of security (ex: password, firewall, bitlocker drive encryption, AV program, etc.....) is best to help prevent unauthorized access.