Subscribe to How-To Geek

Recommended: Click Here to Run a Free Scan for Common PC Errors   [Sponsored Link]

Add Encrypt / Decrypt Options to Windows Vista Right-Click Menu

If you use the built-in file encryption in Windows Vista, you might be interested in adding an option to the right-click menu to more easily encrypt and decrypt your files, rather than having to use the file properties dialog.

Adding this to the menu couldn't be simpler - there's only a single registry key to add.

Open up regedit.exe through the start menu search box, and then find the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

image

In the right-hand pane, create a new 32-bit DWORD value called EncryptionContextMenu and give it a value of 1.

Now when you right-click on a file, you'll see a new option called Encrypt.

image

When you choose this option, you'll receive the following dialog, asking if you want to encrypt just the file, or also the parent folder. You can also choose just the file as the default.

image

Once the files are encrypted, you'll notice that the title of the file is now green, indicating that it's been encrypted. The right-click option will also now change to Decrypt. 

image

Definitely much simpler… makes me wonder why this wasn't a built-in option.

Download AddEncryptionMenu.zip Registry Hack

The Geek is the founder of How-To Geek and a geek enthusiast. When he's not coming up with great how-to articles, he's probably writing at his personal blog. This article was written on 08/22/07 and tagged with: Windows Vista, Desktop Customization

Comments (10)

  1. Yariv

    Can I do something like that to Hide files?

  2. Butwheaty

    Does this work with XP Pro?

  3. Butwheaty

    Regarding my previous comment … I went ahead and tried it … it does work with XP Pro.

  4. The Geek

    [edit] Good to know it works in XP!

    You can't use this to hide files.

  5. Yariv

    ok, thanks, but it would be awesome if there was an option to hide files via context menu.

  6. Ray

    This works only Windows Vista Ultimate. Home Premium does not support it.

  7. Ben Shittu

    It's a shame it doesn't work with home premium!! Still looks good though!

  8. simonc555@googlemail.com

    dose work with home premium

  9. Austin Pasker

    How do I get it to be able to be selected? Its all grayed out!

  10. Justin

    Thanks a lot and it does work i have home Basic


Leave a Comment




Leave your friendly comment here. If you have a computer help question, leave it on the forums instead.

Note: Your comment may not show up immediately on the site.

Copyright © 2006-2008 HowToGeek.com. All Rights Reserved.