Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu

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    Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu

    Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu

    How to Add Encrypt and Decrypt to Context Menu in Windows 7 and Windows 8
    Published by
    Designer Media Ltd


    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.

    Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu-step3-encrypt.jpg


    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.
    Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu-encrypt.jpgEncrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu-decrypt.jpg



    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
    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
    Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu-step1.jpg
    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)
    Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu-step2.jpg
    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)
    Encrypt and Decrypt - Add to Context Menu-step3.jpg
    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








  1. Posts : 501
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64
       #1

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


  2. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    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.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Dual boot Windows 7 Pro and Windows XP Pro SP3
       #3

    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.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

    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. :)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2
    Dual boot Windows 7 Pro and Windows XP Pro SP3
       #5

    Thanks, that makes a lot of sense.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #6

    You're most welcome. :)
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 55
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #7

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






    how to re-enable that?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #8

    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
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
       #9

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


 
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