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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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

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.

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.)

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.