Windows 10: Error decrypting a file or accessing an encrypted file

hello,

I have a problem with some files on my PC, the files are encrypted with a windows certificate, few days ago I was able to open the file and access them, now I can not access those files. although I have the permission and the certificate is installed








:)

 

Help accessing encrypted files (Error: 0x80071771: The specified file could not be decrypted)

Hi DesignerJo0314,

EFS or Encrypting File System on Windows is designed to protect your confidential data from threats or attackers that have access to your computer. Once a file is encrypted, a recovery key or certificate is required to access
it on a different device. This means that the file can only be accessed on the same machine and same user account it was encrypted to.

Here are the ways on how to access the encrypted file on a different computer or user profile:

1. Decrypt the file before moving it to the new computer. You can encrypt the file to the new user profile once the transfer is complete.
   
2. Move the encrypted file to the new computer including the certificate or key.

Apparently, the only way to access the encrypted file on your new computer is to have the certificate or key. If you still have the old laptop, you can try to connect the hard drive to your new computer and decrypt the file.

Feel free to post back if you have other questions.

 

Error: Error: 0x80071771, The Specified File Could Not Be Decrypted when accessing an Encrypted file

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are unable to access the files that you have encrypted and you receive an error while decrypting the files.



I suggest you to refer the suggestions provided by Shafeeq_Khan in the thread

Error: 0x80071771, The Specified File Could Not Be Decrypted replied on April 14, 2019 and see if that helps in resolving the issue.



Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

encrypted files

Hi Iman,

Error message 0x80071771 means that you need to restore the file encryption key in order for you to decrypt the encrypted files. On the other hand, you can still try these steps and see if it will work:

• Right-click the file or folder that you want to decrypt.
• Click File ownership and click Personal.

Feel free to contact us if you need assistance with Windows.