Encryption File System (EFS), a feature that lets you encrypt a file or folder, was introduced by Microsoft with Windows 10 and is accessible for use. By doing so, one may keep their Windows Account’s data secret. The Advanced Attributes may be accessed in order to secure the directories and files. Nevertheless, a significant number of individuals noticed that the feature to encrypt contents to secure data grayed out or is disabled. This trouble occurs when the system’s registry keys, group rules, etc. are erroneously configured. Well, no need to worry. In this article, we will provide you with some quick and easy methods to solve the “encrypt contents to secure data greyed out” issue on your system.

Encrypt Contents To Secure Data Greyed Out In Windows 10

Except for Windows 10 Home Edition, all editions of Windows 10 support EFS (Encryption File System). The “Encrypt Contents To Secure Information” checkbox may be found on the Advanced tab of the Properties window for a specific folder, making it very simple to activate the EFS option. The demand to encrypt files and data is growing among computer users. However, several computer users lament that while encrypting a file on Windows 10, they experienced a difficulty where the option “encrypt contents to secure data grayed out”.How To Resolve The “Encrypt Contents To Secure Data Grayed Out” Issue? Here, we will discuss the latest and simplest methods to resolve

How To Resolve The “Encrypt Contents To Secure Data Greyed Out” Issue?

Here, we will discuss the latest and simplest methods to resolve “ how to encrypt a folder” or “encrypt files windows”. Encryption File System (EFS), on the other hand, is accessible with all versions of Windows 10, with the possible exception of Windows 10 Home Edition, as we previously explained. 

Therefore, you may experience this difficulty if you’re using Windows 10 Home Edition. To resolve “Encrypt Contents to Secure Data Grayed Out” or “encrypt folder windows 10”, the following four methods may well be very beneficial. So, let’s start.

Method 1: EFS Implementation through Command Line

Any directory on your computer may have the encryption option made available to you by using the Windows Command line. Your query “how to encrypt a folder in windows 10”  will be immediately answered if you only perform a short and easy program. To correct this, follow the steps mentioned below – 

  • First, in the Search box, type “Command Prompt,” and then click “Open as Administrator” to launch the Command Prompt window.
  • Secondly, enter the next command there by typing it in and then pressing Enter – fsutil behavior set disableencryption 0 .Enter - fsutil behavior set disableencryption 0 .
  • Lastly, restart your system to save changes.

Hence, the Advanced Attribute window’s encryption option will become accessible once the system restarts.

Method 2: Using Windows Registry (Activate EFS)

Because some registry variables are not configured properly, the encryption option could be grayed out or “encrypt contents to secure data greyed out”. Therefore, to correct this particular issue, follow the steps mentioned below –Using Windows Registry, activate EFS

  • First, to access the Registry Editor window, press Windows + R to launch Run, then type “regedit.”
  • Secondly, open the Registry Editor window and move on to the next line, and enter –

<HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem>

  • Thirdly, in the right-hand pane, expand File System and look for the NtfsDisableEncryption key. Now, click it twice, then change its value to 0. Hence, to save the modifications, click OK.

Hence, return to the folder you wish to encrypt, and then choose “Properties\Advanced\AdvanceAttribute.” The encryption option won’t be grayed out anymore in your system.

Method 3: Set the Automatic Encrypting File System Setting

The third approach to resolving the grayed-out encryption contents to protect data issues in Windows 10 will now be explained. Switching the Encrypting File System to Automatic is yet another of the third method’s essential operations. Therefore, to correct this particular issue, adhere to the steps that are mentioned below –Set the Automatic Encrypting File System Setting

  • At first, open “Run” by clicking Windows + R, typing “services.msc,” and then pressing “Enter” or OK.
  • Next, locate the Encrypting File System (EFS) and double-click it to begin.
  • Then, select the General tab from the box that opens when you click on the Encrypting File System Properties button. Then select Automatic as the Startup type. Now, click OK to move forward after that.

Later, you can restart your computer after that to see whether the Windows 10 file encryption problem has been resolved.

Note: You can restart your system after performing this method, but it may cause the Critical Error Start Menu issue to pop up.

Method 4: Activate EFS Utilizing the Local Group Policy Editor

Well, this is the fourth method you can try to resolve the “encrypt contents to secure data grayed out” issue on your computing system. This is also a very crucial method to solve the problem. Hence, follow the steps mentioned below properly –

  • First, to launch Local Group Policy Editor, use Windows + R to open Run, then type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter or OK.
  • Secondly, head to – ComputerConfiguration\AdministrativeTemplates\System\File System\NTFS .
  • Now, double-click the “Do not allow encryption on all NTFS drives” policy to update it. This is located in the right pane.
  • Then, choose Disabled, then press OK.

Hence, to make the policy effective, restart your computer. In Windows 10, the “encrypt contents to secure data” option shouldn’t be grayed out, and you should be allowed to encrypt or decrypt folders and files utilizing EFS.

Closing Lines 

All done! How to resolve “encrypt contents to secure data greyed out” was the subject of this topic. Check the version of Windows 10 you are using first. EFS is not accessible if you are running Windows 10 Home Edition. You can use the above methods to resolve this problem but, if you are utilizing Windows 10 Pro and Encrypt Contents to Secure Data is grayed off.

If you still have any difficulty or are facing any issues, kindly reach out to us or also you can write in the comment section below. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1:How do I Encrypt contents to secure data?

Ans: To encrypt contents to secure data –

Select Properties by right-clicking (or holding down the button) on a file or folder. Now, click the Advanced button, then check the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data. After choosing, tap on Apply, and OK, and the Advanced Attributes window will dismiss.

Q2: Why is it preferable to avoid using third-party software to solve the problem?

Ans: Using software from a third party is simple. However, it would be preferable if you stay away from it as such software may access the data that is on your device. Additionally, these problems frequently result from System defects that you should fix for proper operation. You can better understand and resolve the issue by performing troubleshooting without the use of any additional software.

Q3: Why is the option to encrypt data grayed out?

Ans: Some registry variables may not be accurately configured, which might cause the encryption option to be grayed out.

Q4: Are encryption and password protection the same thing?

Ans: Only users who have been given permission can access the necessary information with password protection. Encryption is a definite upgrade from password security and it is more secure than passwords since it uses algorithms and a key to encrypt or conceal critical information or data.