How to enable grayed out "Encrypt Contents to secure data" button in Windows 10 Pro?

Question

Computer is running Windows 10 Pro 20H2 / OS build 19042.1052 / Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.2020.0

I tried the NtfsDisableEncryption registry suggestion - value was already hex 0. Changed to 1, rebooted, "Encrypt contents to secure data" still grayed out. Changed back to zero, rebooted. "Encrypt contents to secure data" still grayed out.

Tried secpol.msc (local security policy editor) - under Public Key Policies/Encrypting File System, confirmed "No Encrypting File System Policies Defined" .

Tried services.msc and changed EFS to Automatic start, rebooted, "Encrypt contents to secure data" still grayed out.

Multiple reboots, but regardless of the above changes, this option remains still grayed out.

Please advise how to enable grayed out "Encrypt Contents to secure data" button in Windows 10 Pro computer.

Answer 1

Hi,
Try to use command below to check.
Open Command Prompt. Perform this step by searching for ‘cmd’ and then press Enter.
Type the following command into cmd and hit Enter:
fsutil behavior set disableencryption 0
Then we could create a new user account to log on. Check if new administrator account could use encrypt button.
If the issue still insists, I suggest that we could check for update to install new security update to OS build 19042.1082 or 1081).
Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.
Best Regards,
Carl

Answer 2

Check out this article, you might find it useful

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