Why Encrypt Contents to Secure Data Greyed Out in Windows 11
On my Windows 11 computer, the option to encrypt contents to secure data is grayed out when I try to encrypt specific files. Why can't I encrypt a folder and how to fix this?
Best Answered by
Roxanne· Answered on May 14, 2024
Why is the "Encrypt Contents to Secure Data" option greyed out? Regarding this error, the following are some of the known reasons:
- Incorrect Windows version: You may be using the wrong Windows version that doesn't support EFS.
- Corrupted System file corruption: System file corruption may lead to system malfunction, including the Bitlocker encryption option greyed out the issue.
- EFS Disabled: The encryption option may be greyed out if the encryption file system is disabled by default.
- Incompatible File system: Windows system requires NTFS format to use the EFS feature. Convert FAT32 to NTFS.
The first thing you should do is to turn on the EFS in Windows Settings. To resolve the "Encrypt Contents to Secure Data" option greyed out in Windows 11, you need an all-in-one tool - EaseUS Partition Master Professional. This software enables computer beginners to convert hard drives to NTFS and check/repair system files in Windows 11.
Option 1. Convert Disk to NTFS
Step 1. Install and start EaseUS Partition Master on your PC.
Step 2. Launch the Partition Manager section, right-click on the target partition, and click "Advanced." Then, select "FAT32 to NTFS"
Step 3. To continue, click "Proceed" in the pop-up dialog window.
Step 4. To begin the conversion process, click "Apply". Hold off until the procedure is complete.
Option 2. Repair Corrupted System Files
Step 1. Right-click the system partition in Partition Master.
Step 2. Choose "Advanced" > "Check File System," and choose the "Try to fix errors if found" option.
Step 3. Click "Start" to check for an error on the system disk.
View more practical ways in this post:
🔍Further Reading: How to Fix Encrypt Contents to Secure Data Greyed Out [2024 Tutorial]
