File decryption on Windows 10

Question

Unlike other posters, I wanted to encrypt my files for the added security, and did using the Folder Properties - General - Advanced path, clicking the box for "Encrypt contents to secure data". I did this on July 1, 2017.  Now, on July 22, I want to decrypt some of the files.  Instructions say to clear the box.  However, the box is not checked, even though the files are encrypted (.uenc extension).  I can not find any other instructions to decrypt these files.  I have the key, don't remember getting a certificate number.  Any ideas about getting these files decrypted?

I am using Windows 10, but it is not a recent upgrade/installation (last year), same laptop, no new software installed.

Answer 1

Built-in Windows (Pro and above only) encryption (bitlocker) does not add extensions (uenc) to filenames.  ;-)

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/77325-find-all-encrypted-files-windows-10-a.html

If you did encrypt them, did you backup the certificate?

What are the odds you were hit with a ransomware?

If you just copy one of the files elsewhere and remove the .uenc extension - what happens?

Answer 2

Except for the fact that these are JPG images, not text.  Ultraedit only encrypts text files that it has open.

Answer 3

Given the file extension: that's an UltraEdit question, not a Windows / Microsoft question.

https://www.ultraedit.com/support/tutorials-power-tips/ultraedit/encrypt-decrypt-text-files.html