Windows 10: Did not export my EFS encryption key or add a password, no longer prompts me to do so.

As the title says, I encrypted a folder and when prompted to back up the key, I did not do so, but that also meant I skipped adding a password to the folder. Which was the whole reason I encrypted it in the first place, how do I add a password to an already encrypted folder?

:)

 

How find Private key of EFS?

Hi VijayKumhar,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Community Forums.

I appreciate your efforts to work on this issue.

Follow these steps to back up the private key using the Command Prompt as the option ‘export the private key’ is not available.

1. Open CMD or Command Prompt in Admin mode.
   
2. Type ‘cipher /x "%UserProfile%\Desktop\EFSCertificates".
   
3. You will now get a prompt confirming if you are sure if you want to back up the certificates associated to your files encrypted with EFS Encryption. Click on OK.
   
4. It will work as you to enter a password to protect your .PRX file from unauthorized users. Enter the password and hit Enter.
   
5. Now, enter the same password to confirm it and then hit Enter.
   

Once this is done, a file by name ‘EFSCertificates.PRX’ will be saved on to your Desktop.

Further, if you still face issues, suggest you to post your question in the
TechNet Windows 10 IT Pro Security where we have support professionals who are
well equipped with the knowledge and skill to handle queries regarding EFS Certificates issue.

We look forward for your response.

Regards,

Srimadhwa B

Microsoft Community-Moderator

 

Cannot Export / Backup my EFS certificate private key

Windows 10 Pro
1909

Hi Folks,

I am trying to export my EFS certificate as a backup, however I am having no joy.

Note: I can encrypt and decrypt files using EFS no problem using my account.

Trying in Certificate Manger:

certmgr.exe (As Administrator)
Personal / Certificates
Right click the EFS cert / Export

The option to export the private key is greyed out, with a note:

The associated private key is marked as not exportable. Only the certificate can be exported

Using cipher.exe:

cipher /x c:\temp\EFSCertBack

Error: Key not valid for use in specified state.

Before I decrypt all of my EFS files and start a fresh any ideas?

Cheers

 

Recover EFS key

I believe that you have no option but to boot the old system in order to export its EFS key.

Enable or Disable NTFS File Encryption - TenForumsTutorials
Encrypt Files and Folders with Encrypting File System (EFS) - TenForumsTutorials
Decrypt Files and Folders with EFS - TenForumsTutorials
Import Your EFS Certificate and Key - TenForumsTutorials

Denis