Windows 10: Why is Windows 10 Professional asking me to back up my file encryption certificate and key?

I now have a pop up asking me to backup keys on a removable media.I don't have bit locker encryption, or any files encrypted. I ran checkdsk on all my files and drives, and no problems, I rebooted, I powered down and powered back on. I checked the event log for other errors and nothing.Why is Windows asking me to backup encryption keys ? - I dont have anything encrypted.To check I have nothing encrypted I ran this cipher /u /n /hresponse wasEncrypted Files on your system:With no listed files or folders.I click on the help link on the dialog that says "Why should I back up the certificate and

:)

 

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 Encryption Backing Up the Certificate

Windows 10 Encryption.

My problem is when I try to backup the Certificate Key to an external drive as is recommended by Microsoft. ("Backup your file certificate key...")

The Certificate Export Wizard pops up.

I click NEXT.

The default display is for a .pfx file (which I assume is the default Certificate format when I encrypted the document).

I click NEXT.

Asks for a password and confirm password.

I complete the password step and click NEXT.

THEN THE PROBLEM

It asks for a "file name" for "File to Export.... Specify the name of the file you want to export"

I DON'T KNOW THE FILE NAME FOR THE CERTIFICATE.

The Certificate was automatically generated when I encrypted the file - it did not tell me what the certificate name is or where it is stored.

When I click the browse button, it is looking for a .pfx file but to perform the search I am required to click on every single subfolder individually to search for the .pfx file. It is not in the documents folder fyi.

How do I find the Certificate .pfx file in order to export it?

 

Windows XP file encryption

LOL thanks, I think its standard windows XP file encryption