Can't Encrypt A Folder? Here's What to Do

Take advantage of these expert-created solutions

Fix » Windows 10

Reading time icon 2 min. read

Calendar icon Updated on

by Milan Stanojevic 

updated on

Share this article

This article is translated in

Country Flag
Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more

encrypt folder greyed out
A message from our partner

Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.

  • Download HelpSoft PC Cleaner and install it on your PC.
  • Click on Start Scan button to find corrupt or broken files that affect your PC.
  • Now the software will start the fixing process and boost your PC performance.
Download now HelpSoft PC Cleaner has been downloaded by 0 readers this month

File encryption is one of the best methods to protect your files, which is no secret. However, many users reported that the encrypt folder option is greyed out on their PCs.

The reason why your encrypt folder option is greyed out is most likely a wrong Windows version, a disabled encryption service or corrupt system files.

Follow the steps below to re-enable it:

How can I fix the encrypt folder option if it’s greyed out?

Make sure you use the Windows 11/10 Pro Version. The Home version doesn’t support folder encryption. If you do, but the option still isn’t working, follow the steps below:

1. Modify the registry

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click OK.
    regedit folder encrypt grayed out
  2. When Registry Editor opens, navigate to this key in the left pane: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
  3. Then, double-click the NtfsDisableEncryption DWORD in the right pane to open its properties.
    nftsdisable encrypt folder greyed out
  4. Set the Value data to 1 and click OK to save changes. If this value is already set to 1, change it to 0.
    value

After making these changes, restart your PC.

2. Enable the Encrypting File System (EFS) service

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
    folder encrypt grayed out services run window
  2. Double-click the Encrypting File System (EFS) option to open its properties.
    can't encrypt services
  3. Set the Startup type to Automatic and click Apply and OK to save changes.
    folder encrypt grayed out properties

File encryption relies on the Encrypting File System (EFS) service. So, you need to enable it and restart your PC.

3. Repair system files

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin encrypt folder greyed out
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: sfc /scannowsfc scannow
  3. Wait for the command to finish running, type the command below, and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthdism
  4. Wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.

4. Enable EFS with the fsutil command

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin encrypt folder greyed out
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: fsutil behavior set disableencryption 0ftusil encrypt folder greyed out
  3. Now, restart your PC after running the command.

Another option to enable the Encrypting File System (EFS) service is to run the fsutil command. This should make the encrypt folder option available again on your PC.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you solve the encrypt folder being greyed out problem in the comments below.

More about the topics: file encryption

Milan Stanojevic

Milan Stanojevic Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he's one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

User forum

0 messages