how to access a encrypted a file or folder after wondows upgrade

Babar Mahmood 20 Reputation points
2025-09-05T01:56:14.9666667+00:00

Recently, my laptop was upgraded to windows 11 (from windows 10). I copied all my folder to an external drive. One of the folders has excel files with password protection. Now I am unable to access or open my files in that folder. Basically how do I decrypt the folder or file after windows upgrade? Please help!!

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
Answer accepted by question author
Harry Phan 34,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-09-05T03:17:37.7766667+00:00

Hello Babar,

Based on your description, it sounds like the folder or files may have been encrypted using Windows' built-in Encrypting File System (EFS) on Windows 10. If so, access to those files requires the original encryption key, which is typically tied to the user account and certificate used before the upgrade. If the encryption certificate wasn’t backed up and restored, Windows 11 won’t be able to decrypt the files—even if you're using the same account name.

Here are a few steps you can try:

  1. Check for EFS encryption: Right-click one of the Excel files > Properties > General > Advanced. If “Encrypt contents to secure data” is checked, EFS is in use.
  2. Restore your encryption certificate: If you backed up your certificate before upgrading, you can import it via certmgr.msc. If not, recovery may be difficult unless a backup exists.
  3. Try accessing the files from your original Windows 10 profile: If you still have access to the old system or a system image, you may be able to decrypt the files there.
  4. Office password protection: If the Excel files were protected using Excel’s built-in password feature (not EFS), ensure you’re using the correct version of Office. Some users have reported compatibility issues with Excel 2016 and Windows 11 24H22. Updating Office or enabling certain add-ins (like Solver and VBA Analysis) has helped in some cases.

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If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated. T&B, Harry.

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  1. Babar Mahmood 20 Reputation points
    2025-09-05T04:33:46.3433333+00:00

    Hello Harry. Thanks for your detailed reply. I appreciate that.

    We were advised to back up our data before the Windows upgrade. I backed up my data on an external drive. The IT team took my laptop and have said that they wiped out everything and have uploaded the Windows 11. This is what they have told me.

    What are my options now?

    Is there a way to access my original Windows 10 profile?

    I just need to access one excel file, one word and one PowerPoint file - as I have to present my work at a conference.

    I am not sure what to do and I am bit of in a very bad situation.

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