Windows File Encryption Using AxCrypt
Encrypting important files is a good way to protect your privacy from prying eyes. If your computer is ever lost, stolen, or even just left unattended your files will be protected. UT Austin information security policies requires Category I data requiring confidentiality to be stored encrypted on your computer. By default, data on your computer is not encrypted. AxCrypt can be used to encrypt sensitive files on your Windows computer. AxCrypt is free to use for non-commerical purposes.
Here are instructions for encrypting files with AxCrypt. If you need further information or help please contact the Learning Technology Center technical support group at help@edb.utexas.edu
Installing AxCrypt
1. Download the AxCrypt installer directly from the software developer's website at the URL: http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/
2. Double-click on the installer you downloaded to begin running the setup program. If you get a security warning message asking if you want to run the file click the Run button.
3. In the Installer Language window, click the OK button to accept the default English language
4. In the License Agreement window, click the I Agree button.
5. Select the I do not wish to receive update notifications radio button and click the Next button to proceed.
6. Accept the default installation location and press the Next button to proceed.
7. Accept the default Start Menu folder and press the Install button.
8. If prompted if it is OK to contact Axon Data click the No button and then Yes in the following window.
9. Click the Next button.
10. Uncheck the Show Readme box and then click the Finish button.
Installation is now complete!
Creating an Encrypted Archive
1. After you install AxCrypt you will now have an "AxCrypt" right-click menu option for files and folders. Find the file you want to encrypt and click the file once to select it and then click the right button on your mouse. In the AxCrypt menu that appears click the Encrypt a copy option.
2. In the Window that appears specify a strong password. This will be the password that you need to type in order to read the encrypted file in the future. After you type the password you want to use, press the OK button.
3. A new encrypted version of the file will be created. The icon for the encrypted version of the file will be different than the original version. The encrypted version of the file will have the AxCrypt icon with the two red keys as shown in the screenshot below.
Opening an Encrypted File
1. Double-click the encrypted file in order to open it. In the window that appears, specify the password used to encrypt the file and then press the OK button.
2. The file should now open just as if you had double-clicked on the file before you encrypted it.
Permanently Decrypt an Encrypted File
If you want to permanently decrypt a file so it is no longer encrypted do the follow:
1. Find the file you want to decrypt and click the file once to select it and then click the right button on your mouse. In the AxCrypt menu that appears click the Decrypt option.
2. In the window that appears, enter the password used to encrypt the file and then press the OK button.
3. The encrypted file should now be replaced with the original unencrypted version of it.