When the process completes, you will see a small lock icon on the text file icon indicating its encryption status.ĭid you know that the 7-Zip archiving tool also has an encryption tool? The 7-Zip option is convenient for Windows 10 Home users who cannot use Windows Encrypted File System and still want a fast way to encrypt text files. Change the encryption type to AES256-SHA256 ( extremely strong encryption! On the next page, you must enter a strong and unique password to protect your text files. Select “Personal Information Exchange” on the first page and select the “Export all advanced properties” checkbox. A wizard will guide you through creating and exporting the encryption key to an external medium, such as a USB drive. If you choose to export a backup of the encryption key for added security, the Microsoft Certificate Export Wizard starts. You can use a backup copy of the encryption key if you forgot your decryption password. One way to get around this is to put the text file in a separate folder and use it as a protected folder.Īfter confirming your choice, the encrypted file system will ask you if you want to back up the encryption key. If the file is in a frequently used folder, this means that you will have to unlock the folder every time you want to access any other file. Click OK, then Apply.Īn encryption warning appears, explaining that encrypting a single file can cause a problem under certain circumstances, and that encrypting an entire folder provides more protection. Now select “Advanced”, then select the “Encrypt content to protect data” checkbox. To use EFS to encrypt a file, right-click the text file and select Properties. Instead, EFS operates on a file-by-file basis, making it ideal for encrypting text files. EFS is not the same as Bitlocker, which can be used for full disk encryption. Windows Encrypted File System (EFS) is an integrated file encryption tool available for all versions of Windows 10 except Home. So this is how you encrypt and decrypt a text file on Windows 10. Encrypting a Notepad text file is the best way to increase your security.

Sometimes you can write something important in Notepad that requires additional security.

You can use it for basic tasks like taking notes and making lists, or for more advanced tasks like creating a batch file to automate commands on your computer. Windows Notepad is a versatile text editor included with every version of Windows.

How to decrypt a file windows 10