What is Cipher.exe & How to Use It

In a world where computer usage grow more popular, crucial executable files like cipher.exe, certutil.exe, ApproveChildRequest.exe, and many more provide critical functionalities for the PC. We discussed many articles on executables before. But today, we will discuss cipher.exe.

This article will provide information on this file, enlightening you on its purpose and importance. After providing this knowledge, we will lead you on how to use the Cypher command. Read till the end to fully grasp the concept.

What is the Windows cipher exe tool used for?

Cipher.exe is a built-in tool in Windows operating systems that helps protect sensitive data by encrypting files and folders. It uses encryption algorithms to scramble the data, making it unreadable without the appropriate decryption key.

Cipher.exe offers several features, including the following:

• File encryption
• File decryption
• Secure deletion
• Managing encryption keys.

How do you use the Cypher command?

1. Encrypting Files and Folders:

1. Press the Windows + S keys simultaneously her, enter prompt in the search field.
2. While holding CTRL and Shift keys down, press ENTER to start Command Prompt with admin privileges.
   
3. When you receive a prompt, click Yes.
4. To encrypt a single file, use the following command and hit Enter:
   cipher /E /A [file]
   Replace [file] with the path and name of the file you want to encrypt.
5. For example, to encrypt a file named confidential.docx located on the desktop of a PC with username DonJinee, use the following command:
   cipher /E /A C:\Users\DonJinee\Desktop\confidential.docx
   
6. To encrypt a folder and its contents, use the following command and hit Enter:
   cipher /E /S:[folder]
   Replace [folder] with the path of the folder you want to encrypt.
7. For example, to encrypt a folder named Private located in the Documents directory of a PC with username DonJinee, use the following command:
   cipher /E /S:C:\Users\DonJinee\Documents\Private
   

2. Decrypting Files and Folders

1. Press the Windows + S keys simultaneously her, enter prompt in the search field.
2. While holding CTRL and Shift keys down, press ENTER to start Command Prompt with admin privileges.
   
3. When you receive a prompt, click Yes.
4. To decrypt a single file, use the following command and hit Enter:
   cipher /D /A [file].
5. To decrypt a folder and its contents, use the following command and hit Enter:
   cipher /D /S:[folder].

3. Secure Deletion

1. Press the Windows + S keys simultaneously her, enter prompt in the search field.
2. While holding CTRL and Shift keys down, press ENTER to start Command Prompt with admin privileges.
   
3. When you receive a prompt, click Yes.
4. To securely delete a file, use the following command and hit Enter:
   cipher /W:[path]
   Replace [path] with the path and name of the file you want to securely delete.

4. Managing Encryption Keys:

1. Press the Windows + S keys simultaneously her, enter prompt in the search field.
2. While holding CTRL and Shift keys down, press ENTER to start Command Prompt with admin privileges.
   
3. When you receive a prompt, click Yes.
4. To back up the encryption keys associated with your user account, use the following command and hit Enter:
   cipher /K.
5. To restore encryption keys from a backup, use the following command and hit Enter:
   cipher /R:[path].
   Replace [path] with the path to the backup file.

How to use cipher exe to overwrite deleted data in Windows?

1. Press the Windows + S keys simultaneously her, enter prompt in the search field.
2. While holding CTRL and Shift keys down, press ENTER to start Command Prompt with admin privileges.
   
3. When you receive a prompt, click Yes.
4. Determine the drive or directory where the deleted data is located, e.g. C: drive.
5. Use the cipher command with the /W option followed by the drive or directory path to securely overwrite the free space and any previously deleted data, e.g.:
   cipher /W:C:\
   
   Note, the /W option stands for wipe and is specifically designed to overwrite deleted data.
6. The cipher command will start securely overwriting the free space on the specified drive or directory. The time it takes to complete the process depends on the size of the free space
7. During this process, avoid using the computer for other resource-intensive tasks as it may slow down the overwriting process.
8. Once the process is complete, the Command Prompt will display a message indicating that the task is complete.

Can files be recovered after running cipher?

No, you cannot easily recover files after running the cipher command with the /W option to overwrite the free space. When you use the /W option, the cipher writes random data to the free space on the drive, effectively overwriting any previously deleted files.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of data recovery depends on various factors, such as the specific recovery techniques used, the state of the drive, and the length of time since deleting the files.

In conclusion, cipher.exe is a powerful command-line tool in Windows that enables users to encrypt and decrypt files and folders, ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive data. It allows users to secure their sensitive data. For fear of malware, you can always scan with reputable antivirus malware.

Following the provided commands and options can help you to effectively utilize cipher.exe to protect their files, securely delete data, and manage encryption keys. It is a valuable tool for maintaining data privacy and security on Windows systems.