COMPTIA A+ Practice Exam

What command is used to encrypt files in Windows?

1. encrypt.exe

2. cipher.exe

3. secure.exe

4. lock.exe

The correct answer is: cipher.exe

The correct command to encrypt files in Windows is cipher.exe. This utility is included with Windows operating systems and provides various functions related to encryption using the Encrypting File System (EFS). EFS allows users to encrypt individual files or folders, ensuring that only authorized users can access this sensitive information. This command can be used in the Command Prompt to enable encryption on a file or folder by using the appropriate parameters. The cipher command not only facilitates encryption but also allows users to manage the encryption status and to decrypt files as needed. While other options may sound plausible, they do not correspond to any built-in Windows commands specifically designed for file encryption.