golden lock on many files on pc

ko 0 Reputation points
2026-11-06T13:30:54.4833333+00:00

when the account was changed many files got a golden lock and when i tried to every other way to open it like decrypt it it did not give access and also when i searched about it they said that some key was needed to open those files which were missing in my files and i wont be able to open them ever again

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. SD - IA 182.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-06T14:40:14.15+00:00

    Hi,

    This sounds like a case of EFS (Encrypting File System) encryption in Windows, particularly if the files display a golden lock icon.

    Did you change the Microsoft account associated with the same Windows profile, or did you create an entirely new Windows user account?

    I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

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  2. Rayyan Fawad 1,170 Reputation points
    2026-11-06T13:45:18.3866667+00:00

    The golden lock means they are locked by your previous account therefore they can't be unlocked with your new account. You can try logging back into your old account to see if this helps. If it has been deleted then you won't be able to recover them.

    Let me know if you need any help checking if your old account is still on the PC or if you would like to move onto another question and if you find it helpful, please accept the answer.

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