cipher

Windows CMD · Files · available in the simulator

What it does

File/folder encryption on NTFS (EFS).

Syntax

cipher [/e | /d] [/s:directorio] [/a] [/w:directorio] [archivo...]

Options and parameters

• /E

  Encrypts the specified directories using EFS.

  cipher /e C:\Privado
• /D

  Decrypts the specified directories.

• /W:RUTA

  Securely wipes free space.

• /S

  Performs the operation on the specified directory and all its subdirectories.

• /A

  Performs the operation on files as well as directories.

• /I

  Continues performing the operation even if errors occur.

• /F

  Forces the encryption operation on all specified files, even those already encrypted.

• /Q

  Reports only the most essential information.

• /K

  Creates a new file encryption key for the user.

• /R

  Generates a recovery agent key and certificate.

• /W

  Permanently removes data from available free space on the volume.

  cipher /w:C:\
• /X

  Backs up the EFS certificate and keys.

Usage examples

• cipher /E archivo.txt
• cipher /D archivo.txt
• cipher /W:C:\
• cipher /c archivo.txt
• cipher /e C:\Privado
• cipher /w:C:\

Notes and common mistakes

• EFS requires NTFS and is not available in all Windows editions.

Related commands

• assoc
• attrib
• compact
• copy
• del
• edit