4 Solutions to Recover Deleted Encrypted Files[2021] (2024)

4 Solutions to Recover Deleted Encrypted Files[2021] (1)

Aug 30, 2022 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions

Files are encrypted to conceal vital information from certain people. Only people who have the passcode can access these files. However, when these files get lost from your system, you may be wondering if it is possible to restore the encrypted files.

In this article, we will be telling you whether or not deleted encrypted files can be recovered.

We now come to the big question.

Can deleted encrypted files be restored?

Yes! Any encrypted file you may have deleted or lost can be recovered. We will be using the rest of this article to show you just how you can recover encrypted files that have been deleted.

Before we move on to showing you how you can recover lost encrypted files, here's a quick tip for you.

  • How to Encrypt a File in Windows 10/8/7
  • Method 1: Check for your backups in Google Drive, OneDrive, or Hard Drives
  • Method 2: Use a file Recovery Software
  • Method 3: Try System Restore
  • Method 4: Use a Decryption Tool

How to Encrypt a File in Windows 10/8/7

To encrypt any file in Windows 10/8/7, take the following steps. Note that any unencrypted file you place in an encrypted folder will automatically be encrypted with the encryption on the folder.

The steps to encrypt the file include;

Step 1. Locate the file you want to encrypt and right-click the file.

Step 2. Click on "Properties." A dialogue box will pop up. Click on the "Advanced..." button. A new dialogue box will pop-up.

Step 3. On the new dialogue box, click on the little box next to "Encrypt content to secure data." Press "Ok" after this.

4 Solutions to Recover Deleted Encrypted Files[2021] (2)

Step 4. Continue clicking "Ok" until an encryption warning box pops up.

Step 5. Lastly, click on " the file only," then press "Ok" to finish encryption.

Now that you have seen how to encrypt a file in Windows 10/8/7 let's continue to our main focus for the article.

There are four methods you can use. They include.

Step 1. Check for your backups in Google Drive, OneDrive, or Hard Drives.

Step 2. Use a file recovery software

Step 3. System Restore

Step 4. Use a decryption tool

Method 1: Check for your backups in Google Drive, OneDrive, or Hard Drives

The first method you can use to recover your lost encrypted files is to check for backups where you originally backed-up the files. You can only use this method if you had previously backed-up the files either in Google Drive, OneDrive, or Hard Drive.

For this reason, you must ensure to back up your files so that you can quickly recover them if they get missing.

To recover your files from Google Drive, simply login to your Google Drive account, find the lost file's copy, and download it into your computer.

For hard drives, connect the hard drive to your computer and import the file from there into your computer.

Method 2: Use a file Recovery Software

Another viable option is to use a Data Recovery Software to scan your computer and recover your lost encrypted files. If you don't have backups for your files, you can use this method to retrieve them.

Though there are several data recovery tools you can use, we recommend you use Wondershare Recoverit. It is super easy to use and helps you recover your deleted encrypted files quickly.

Wondershare Recoverit can recover many file types and is available for both Windows and Mac users.

It takes just three steps to restore your lost encrypted files completely.

Step 1. Launch Recoverit and Select a Location

Launch Recoverit on your computer, then select drive under the "Device" tab. Alternatively, you can select an option under the "Select Location" tab.

4 Solutions to Recover Deleted Encrypted Files[2021] (3)

After the selection, click on the "Start" button to proceed to the next step.

Step 2. Scan selected location

When you click on the start button, Recoverit will carry out a general scan of the selected location to catch your deleted files. If your encrypted file is not seen through the general scan, click the "Advanced Scan" button. Recoverit will then conduct an in-depth search of the selected location to bring out all your deleted files.

4 Solutions to Recover Deleted Encrypted Files[2021] (4)

You can filter the search results using the panel on the right of the screen. Here, you can specify the file type, size, date modified, etc. It helps narrow the search to what you are looking for.

You can use the "Stop" button on the screen when you see your lost encrypted files before the search is completed to stop the search and restore your deleted encrypted files.

Step 3. Preview and Recover

In this last step, you can recover the deleted encrypted file straightaway, or you can preview the file first to be sure it is the one you are looking for.

4 Solutions to Recover Deleted Encrypted Files[2021] (5)

To preview the file, click on the "Preview" button on the right panel.

To recover and save the file, click on the "Recover" button, then choose a different location to save the file. Do not save it in the former location where it was lost.

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Method 3: Try System Restore

Running a system restore on your computer can help recover your deleted encrypted files. However, the procedure varies with different operating systems. We'll be showing how you can perform this on Windows 10.

The steps are as follows;

Step 1. Click on the "Start" button and head to Update & Security > Recovery.

2. Next, click on "Advanced start-up" and then click on "Troubleshoot," then Advanced Options, then System Restore.

3. After this, click "Next" and select a system point that will recover your encrypted files.

4. Lastly, click on "Next." Wait for a while until your Windows system is restored.

This should restore your deleted encrypted files.

Method 4: Use a Decryption Tool

There is a chance you can recover your lost encrypted files using a decryption tool. Using an excellent decryption tool can help you unlock and recover your lost encrypted files.

Some of the excellent decryption tools include GIBON Ransomware Decryption Tool, Quick Heal Ransomware Decryption Tool, and many others.

Once you have installed the decryption tool, use it to scan your system for the lost encrypted files. You can then save the recovered files.

Conclusion

You can recover any lost encrypted file just like we have shown you in this article. All the four methods we have mentioned in this article can help you recover your deleted encrypted files. If one doesn't work, try the other.

Remember always to be careful with your files. Also, ensure to protect your system with good security software.

4 Solutions to Recover Deleted Encrypted Files[2021] (2024)

FAQs

How do I recover encrypted deleted files? ›

Steps To Restore a encrypted File from Android:
  1. Go to the “Trash” in the Google drive.
  2. Choose the files that you want to restore.
  3. Hit the “restore” button, and here you go! The files are restored to your phone.
Sep 8, 2022

Is it possible to recover encrypted files? ›

There is a chance you can recover your lost encrypted files using a decryption tool. Using an excellent decryption tool can help you unlock and recover your lost encrypted files. Some of the excellent decryption tools include GIBON Ransomware Decryption Tool, Quick Heal Ransomware Decryption Tool, and many others.

How can I recover permanently deleted files from Android phone? ›

Method 1: Recover From Backup
  1. Pay a visit to your device's Settings.
  2. Choose “Accounts and back up”.
  3. Tap on Backup and restore.
  4. Select Restore data.
  5. Choose what you would like to restore, and then tap on Restore.
Oct 3, 2022

Can ransomware encrypted files be recovered? ›

Can Ransomware Encrypted Files Be Decrypted? If your files have been encrypted by ransomware, there is still a chance that they can be recovered.

How do I find hidden encrypted files? ›

How to show hidden files in Windows 10
  1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
  2. Go to View > Options > Change folder and search options.
  3. Select the View tab.
  4. Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives in Advanced settings.
  5. Click OK.
Mar 9, 2022

Does factory reset remove encryption? ›

The data on most Android phones is encrypted which means that it can't be accessed following a factory reset. As such, you don't need to worry about another person accessing this information if you sell your Android phone.

How to recover permanently deleted files from File Manager in Android? ›

To retrieve lost files on Android, you can use a few different methods to recover your lost files, from simply checking the recycle bin, checking your cloud backups, using recovery apps for PC or Android, and even contacting the developer.

How can I recover permanently deleted files from my Android without root? ›

1. Use Android Data Recovery App to Recover Deleted Files Android without Root
  1. Download and install Tenorshare UltData for Android app on your phone.
  2. Lauch the app, select the file types you want to recover and allow the app to scan your phone data.
Jan 5, 2023

How can I recover permanently deleted files without Backup Android? ›

Restore Deleted Files from Google Drive
  1. Install and launch the Google Drive app, then sign in to it with your Google account.
  2. Choose your device, find and select the files you want to restore, and tap Restore to get your data back.
Nov 24, 2022

How do I decrypt encrypted data? ›

Decryption is performed using the best decryption software, unique keys, codes, or passwords. The original file can be in the form of text files, images, e-mail messages, user data, and directories. The original format is called plaintext while the unreadable format is referred to as ciphertext.

Can a hacker access encrypted files? ›

Can hackers see encrypted data? No, hackers cannot see encrypted data, as it is scrambled and unreadable until the encryption key (or passphrase) is used to decrypt it. However, if a hacker manages to obtain the encryption key or crack the encryption algorithm, then they can gain access to the data.

How do I recover encrypted files after factory reset? ›

Fortunately, Android phones come with a built-in backup tool that allows you to recover your data after a factory reset. To enable it, head to the phone Settings > Backup and reset and turn on Backup my data.

Will System Restore remove ransomware? ›

System Restores Are not the Best Strategy for Dealing with Ransomware and Malware. You might be tempted to use a System Restore point to get your system back up and running. System Restore is not a good solution for removing viruses or other malware.

What program opens encrypted files? ›

For example, EasyCrypto can open files with the ENCRYPTED extension. Sometimes the problem might be that Windows is having the wrong software open the file. Try using the file properties to unlock the file. Go into File Explorer, select Advanced, and clear the Encrypt Contents to Secure Data checkbox.

Where is encrypted data stored? ›

Storage encryption is the use of encryption for data both in transit and on storage media. Data is encrypted while it passes to storage devices, such as individual hard disks, tape drives, or the libraries and arrays that contain them.

Who has access to an encrypted file? ›

Once a folder is encrypted, only the user who encrypts the file or folder can access the content.

Does encryption delete your files? ›

This depends on the storage being used and encryption being used. There's zero difference between deleting encrypted or non-encrypted files - all the files on the disk are just data.

Will resetting end-to-end encrypted data delete everything? ›

If you are prompted to reset end-to-end encrypted data on your iPhone, rest assured that it will not delete all of the data on your device. Your photos, music, and other personal items will remain accessible to you. According to Apple, the data that will be reset is as follows: Apple Card transactions.

What happens if I erase encrypted data? ›

You will keep your personal items loaded into your phone. However, resetting end-to-end encrypted data may erase items like search histories, passwords, iCloud messages, health data, Apple Card transactions, Siri info, iCloud keychain, home data, memojis, payment info and learned vocabulary in the QuickType Keyboard.

How are permanently deleted files recovered? ›

Press the Windows key, enter Windows File Recovery in the search box, and then select Windows File Recovery. When you are prompted to allow the app to make changes to your device, select Yes. There are 2 basic modes you can use to recover files: Regular and Extensive.

Where are permanently deleted files stored? ›

When you delete a file from your computer, it moves to the Windows Recycle Bin. You empty the Recycle Bin and the file is permanently erased from the hard drive. ... Instead, the space on the disk that was occupied by the deleted data is "deallocated."

What softwares recover permanently deleted files? ›

7 Data Recovery Software That Actually Work (2021 Update)
  • READ FIRST: Data Recovery Software Basics.
  • The #1 for 2021 – Stellar Data Recovery.
  • #2 – EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Second to Stellar Data Recovery.
  • #3 – Disk Drill – The Runner-Up.
  • #4 – Advanced Disk Recovery – The Ultimate Data Recovery Software.

How can I recover permanently deleted files without software? ›

1. Restore Permanently Deleted Files without Software from Previous Version
  1. Go to the directory where the folder that contained your lost data is stored.
  2. Right-click on the folder and click Restore Previous Versions and check whether there are any restorable versions shown.
  3. Choose the one you want and click Restore.
May 29, 2023

How to recover deleted files without root? ›

8 Best Recovery Apps for Android without Root
  1. DroidKit. Is there an app to recover everything deleted on an Android phone? ...
  2. Dr. Fone Data Recovery (Android) ...
  3. DiskDigger Photo Recovery. ...
  4. Samsung Data Recovery. ...
  5. Video Recovery. ...
  6. Dumpster Android Recovery. ...
  7. Document Recovery. ...
  8. DigDeep Image Recovery.
Mar 22, 2023

How to retrieve deleted texts on Android without computer or root? ›

Open the default Messages app on your Samsung phone. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and open the Recycle bin. Check your deleted text messages. Long tap the message you want to retrieve.

How to recover deleted files Android internal storage after factory reset? ›

Steps to recover Android data from Google backup:
  1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Advanced > Backup > App data.
  3. Select the backup file you want to restore.
  4. Tap on the Automatic Restore button.
  5. The entire backup file will be restored to your Android phone.
Jun 7, 2022

Is it possible to recover deleted files after factory reset Android? ›

To recover data after factory reset Android, navigate to the "Backup and Restore" section under "Settings." Now, look for the "Restore" option, and choose the backup file you created before resetting your Android phone. Select the file and restore all of your data.

How to recover deleted videos from Android without root and computer? ›

# 1. Recover lost photos/videos from Android backup
  1. Step 1: Go to "Settings" on Android phone, tap on "Account".
  2. Step 2: Sign in with your account and password.
  3. Step 3: Tap "Backup and Restore", click "Restore".
  4. Then select the backup which contains your lost photos and videos to restore.

Can encrypted data be decrypted? ›

Encrypted data can only be read or processed after it has been decrypted, using a decryption key or password. Only the sender and the recipient of the data should have access to the decryption key.

How do I manually decrypt files? ›

To decrypt a file or folder:
  1. From the Start menu, select Programs or All Programs, then Accessories, and then Windows Explorer.
  2. Right-click the file or folder you want to decrypt, and then click Properties.
  3. On the General tab, click Advanced.
  4. Clear the Encrypt contents to secure data checkbox, and then click OK.
Jan 18, 2018

What is the secret key used to encrypt and decrypt? ›

Symmetric—symmetric encryption or secret key encryption is one key crypto. You use one key to encrypt the information and the same key to decrypt the information. The benefits is that it is very fast but since both parties use the same key, there needs to be a secure channel for key exchange.

What is the hardest encryption to decrypt? ›

AES 256-bit encryption is the strongest and most robust encryption standard that is commercially available today. While it is theoretically true that AES 256-bit encryption is harder to crack than AES 128-bit encryption, AES 128-bit encryption has never been cracked.

What is private key? ›

A cryptographic key that is used with an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm. The private key is uniquely associated with the owner and is not made public. The private key is used to compute a digital signature that may be verified using the corresponding public key.

What malware encrypts your files? ›

Ransomware is a malware designed to deny a user or organization access to files on their computer. By encrypting these files and demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key, cyberattackers place organizations in a position where paying the ransom is the easiest and cheapest way to regain access to their files.

Who can decrypt and access the encrypted file? ›

File encryption helps protect your data by encrypting it. Only someone with the right encryption key (such as a password) can decrypt it.

What is an example of end-to-end encryption? ›

An example of how end-to-end encryption works

Alice wants to send Bob an encrypted message. She uses Bob's public key to encrypt her message to him. Then, when Bob receives the message, he uses his private key on his device to decrypt the message from Alice.

How do I recover encrypted files in Windows? ›

How do I manually decrypt a file on Windows 10?
  1. Select "Programs or All Programs" under the start menu, click "Accessories", and then choose "Windows Explorer".
  2. Right-click the file you want to decrypt, and click "Properties".
  3. Click "Advanced".
  4. Clear the Encrypt contents and then click "OK".
Feb 22, 2023

Can Windows 10 back up encrypted files? ›

The short answer to this question is yes - you can back up your Windows encrypted files/hard drive.

What happened your files are encrypted? ›

If you see an alert "Oops, your files have been encrypted" when trying to open your personal files, then your computer has been infected with malware. You will be asked to pay a certain amount of money (usually in Bitcoins) to decrypt files encrypted.

Can you unencrypt an encrypted file? ›

Decrypt Files From Properties

Right-click on the encrypted file and select Properties. In the General tab, select Advanced. Now, uncheck the Encrypt contents to secure data radio box and click on OK.

How do I recover an encrypted folder in Windows 10? ›

Right-click the folder or file, then click Properties. Click the General tab, then click Advanced. Uncheck the Encrypt contents to secure data checkbox. If you are decrypting folders, select the option Apply changes to this folder, subfolder and files.

How do I find all encrypted files on my computer? ›

To Find All Encrypted Files in Windows 10,

Type the following command: cipher /u /n /h . The command will list your encrypted files.

How do I recover my encryption key? ›

Go to Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Backup your recovery key. Saving to your Microsoft account is the most straightforward option. Backing up your recovery key to your Microsoft account should be a top priority for Windows 11 Pro users if it isn't already saved there.

Where are encryption keys stored Windows 10? ›

Windows has a cryptographic key store, and it is simply located in a folder on your hard drive. On my Windows 10 machine, this path is C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto and inside that folder, there are various other folders for each key type. In this example, we will be looking at the RSA\MachineKeys subfolders.

Does Windows 10 have built in encryption software? ›

File encryption helps protect your data by encrypting it. Only someone with the right encryption key (such as a password) can decrypt it. File encryption is not available in Windows 10 Home.

Does Windows 10 have full disk encryption? ›

Microsoft includes a full disk encryption feature built into Windows called BitLocker. BitLocker is available on supported devices running Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition.

Why would someone encrypt their files? ›

File encryption is a way of encoding files, including the sensitive data they contain, in order to send them securely. The encoding prevents unauthorized access and tampering by malicious actors. It keeps a file from being read by anyone except the person or people for whom it was intended.

What files are usually encrypted? ›

Below are some of the most common use cases and file types that require encryption.
  • Banking documents. One obvious use case for file encryption is banking documents. ...
  • Work files. ...
  • Hard drive backups. ...
  • Images. ...
  • Videos. ...
  • Documents. ...
  • PDFs. ...
  • Spreadsheets.
Nov 25, 2022

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