Windows 10: Need help with encrypted folders

I have a bit of an issue that I'm still kicking myself for... I lost access to some encrypted folders when I reinstalled Windows last week. These things happen sometimes... but what I'd like to know is what possible courses of action could restore my access to these files?Here is some background info: I'm on Windows 10 pro, I have backups of all of my C drive before the wipe except for the system folders... But I did make a separate backup through the "Windows backup" feature in addition to manually backing up my files to external drives. I also had a cloud backup from a 3rd party service, but

:)

 

Encrypting a folder

Hello Bill,

To encrypt a folder in Windows 10 Home, follow these steps:

• Right-click the folder you want to encrypt and click Properties.
• On the General tab, click Advanced.
• Under Compress or Encrypt attributes, click Encrypt contents to secure data.
• Click OK then Apply to save the changes.

We're just here if you need further help.

 

Help! File permission errors in encrypted folder

Hi Bill,

To assist you better, I would like to ask some questions:

• Are you the Administrator of the computer?
• Are you connected to a domain network?

I suggest you to decrypt the folder by following the steps below and check if it helps.

• Right-click the folder or file you want to decrypt, and then click Properties.
• 
  Click the General tab, and then click Advanced.
  
• 
  Clear the Encrypt contents to secure data check box, click
  OK, and then click OK again.
  

Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.

 

Can't encrypt or password protect folders?

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. I understand the inconvenience you faced.
I will certainly help you with this.

The information which you have provided is not enough for us to determine the issue. Please provide us more information.

• Are you logging-in using Administrator User account?
• Is this issue specific to any particular folder or persist in all the folders?

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. I suggest you to try
log-in through other Administrator account and perform the below given steps to encrypt the folder and check if it works:

How to encrypt a file

• Right-click (or tap and hold) a file or folder and select Properties.
• Select the Advanced... button and select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box.
• Select OK to close the Advanced Attributes window, select
  Apply, and then select OK.

Please post back with the results and the information asked, we will be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.