Windows 10: Can't decrypt file even though I have the certificate imported

Hi, so I've just reinstalled my windows 10 due to slow performance and I have encrypted files in my external drive with the certificate as well. Thing is, I have imported the certificate successfully. Yet, I still can't decrypt my files. I have tried changing the owner of the folder which is where the files are located to Everyone as seen on other discussions, and still not work.

:)

 

Windows 10 Encryption/Decryption of Folders/Files 'Certificate'

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

To understand the issue better, I suggest you to answer the below question.

• Were you able to Encrypt the data?
• Did you get any error message?
• What exact issue are you facing with Encryption and Decryption?

Note: The first time you encrypt a folder or file, an encryption certificate is automatically created. You should back up your encryption certificate.
If your certificate and key are lost or damaged and you don't have a backup,
you won't be able to use the files that you have encrypted.

Keep us posted to help you better.

 

Windows 10 not using imported cert to decrypt EFS files

I encrypted some files with Windows's built-in EFS encryption, which involved creating a new EFS certificate and saving a backup of it somewhere. I recently swapped motherboards/re-imaged my PC and now cannot access the encrypted files, which is expected.

I re-imported my saved certificate using the correct password which worked successfully, but I still cannot access these files - getting various errors about permissions or decryption that aren't very specific.

Here is my current certificate store, I have created a new EFS cert and imported my old one:



Here is the details of the cert matching the thumbprint of the cert that is allowed to access the file.



If I try and remove the checkbox for encrypting these files I get this error:



Are there any steps I missed?

 

URGENT!! Decrypt files after deleting encryption certificate

have you tried 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.

When you decrypt a folder, you must decide whether to decrypt the folder only or to decrypt the folder and all files and subfolders contained within it. If you choose to decrypt the folder only, the files and subfolders within the folder remain encrypted. However, when you add new files and subfolders to the folder, they will not be automatically encrypted.