In Windows 10, it’s possible for you to encrypt your important files for data security.
But sometimes you cannot decrypt files that you have encrypted.
Here, this post will be helpful for you since some solutions are introduced.
![]()
Just keep reading and try them to fix this issue.
Then, on theGeneraltab, click theAdvancedbutton and checkEncrypt content to secure dataunder theCompress and encrypt attributessection.
Next, execute the change by hittingOK.

How to encrypt a file when the option encrypt contents to secure data greyed out?
And this article shows 4 methods to fix the issue.
Sometimes you dont want to keep the file encrypted but want to decrypt it.

Well then, how to decrypt encrypted files in Windows 10?
Also, go toPropertiesmenu after right-clicking your file or folder, navigate toGeneraltab and uncheckEncrypt content to secure data.
However, sometimes you will report the issue: cannot decrypt files.

Although you use the right key, you still fail to decrypt the encrypted file.
So, what should you do to fix the issue?
Here are the possible solutions.
Actually, file decryption failure happens to be the most common sign of aransomware or malware attack.
MSRT can find & remove threats and reverses the changes made by these threats.
It can be as part of the monthly Windows update.
Besides, as a standalone tool, it’s possible for you to download it from the Microsoft website.
Use Another Account to Decrypt Your File
Step 1: Go toStart > controls > Accounts.
Step 2: Click theFamily & other peopleoption in the left pane.
Step 3: Choose theAdd someone else to this PCoption.
Step 4: Next, click theI dont have this persons sign-in informationlink.
Step 5: Then, chooseAdd a user without a Microsoft account.
Step 6: jot down user name and password to finish the creation.
Then, check whether you might decrypt a file via the created account.
If you are still unable to decrypt files, try the next way.
Step 2: go for the account owner name and clickChange account pop in.
Step 3: ChooseAdministratorin theAccount typesection.
Step 1: Typecmdin the search box, right-tap on the result to open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
Step 2: pop in the command line:net user administrator /active:yesand pressenter.
This operation will activate the hidden admin account.
Just see if you are able to decrypt files successfully.
Now all possible solutions are told to you.
If you cannot decrypt files, just try the above ways.