Vault and settings — Explorer Encrypt and Decrypt

Where: Settings → Security → Windows Explorer, then right-click in File Explorer.

Turn it on

  1. Settings → Security.
  2. In Windows Explorer, check Add Encrypt / Decrypt to the right-click menu (this user).
  3. That writes verbs for your Windows account only.

Uncheck the box to remove the verbs.

Encrypt from Explorer

  1. Right-click a file.
  2. Choose Encrypt with NEXTGEN Widget Encrypt3.
  3. If Encrypt3 is not running or the workstation is locked, sign in. If you are already signed in and unlocked, you should not have to sign in again.
  4. The encrypt window should appear in front. Pick recipient, optional armor, optional comment if shown.
  5. Finish. Output uses a generated name. Armor on or off follows that prompt.

Decrypt from Explorer

  1. Right-click the ciphertext.
  2. Choose Decrypt.
  3. Sign in if locked.
  4. Enter the key passphrase.
  5. Output should keep a usable original name and extension when the tool can recover them.

If Encrypt3 is already open

One copy of the program should own the session. Explorer forwards the file to that session when it can. If the session is locked, unlock or sign in there first.

If it fails

  • No verbs — turn the Settings box on again; use the same Windows user.
  • Window behind everything — use the taskbar; current builds keep it topmost.
  • Asked to sign in while you are already in the app — the other window is locked or is a second instance.
  • .bin output — older behavior; use a current build so decrypt restores the real extension.
  • Armor missing on the prompt — use File Task if you need armor on that file.

Next

File Task for sign-and-encrypt and recovery copy. Idle lock if Explorer keeps hitting the lock screen.