File Encryption System issue - Disabled Encrypt contents to secure data

Question

I had a system with Windows 10 pro and I had encrypted HDD in that system. Unfortunately I have to use that hard disk in another computer which runs Windows 11 home edition and I couldn't able to get access to the folders because of the file encryption system. Th option is disabled in windows 11 home and tried all the solutions from the internet which doesn't help. Also I cant get access to the old system as well, but I would like to get the data. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Hi,

Thanks for your post in Microsoft Community.

As far as I know, in the professional version system, there are two kinds of encryption operations that can be performed:

1. Encrypt the entire disk or partition with Bitlocker.
2. Use the EFS file encryption system to encrypt files or folders.

Bitlocker prompts you to save the recovery key when encrypting, and the passcode or key can be used to access or unlock the disk on other devices.

EFS file encryption can only be decrypted on the original device using the original account.

I'm not quite able to tell which encryption option you are using.

If you're using Bitlocker, then viewing the disk in File Explorer should show a lock icon, and double-clicking the disk/partition will prompt you for a password or recovery key.

At this point you can enter the password to access the disk, and the home version system can also access it.

But if you use EFS, then you can only mount the disk back to the original device and decrypt it with the account that was used to encrypt it.

Kirk | Microsoft Community Support Specialist