Free encryption and decryption application
DiskCryptor is a free encryption and decryption software program for disks and partitions on Microsoft Windows PC devices. You can encrypt and decrypt ISO images, system partitions, and external and internal drives on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Vista, and Windows XP operating systems. DiskCryptor is an open-source program that lets you further develop the backend of the app.
Is DiskCryptor safe?
The developers of DiskCryptor are adamant about the platform’s security. Since the program is open-source and not proprietary software, your personal data will be protected. The freeware is licensed within the terms of the GNU GPLv3.
While there is more safety because of the open nature of DiskCryptor, the risk of downloading and installing the app from an unreliable source is still very possible. To ensure that you and your device are safe, you’ll want to download from a reputable site such as Softonic, which analyzes all programs before uploading.
DiskCryptor lets you use key files to protect your personal data. You can either select a custom file or folder or receive a randomly chosen one that acts as a secure key file. A password can be added to increase protection on confidential content. The software will let you know when the passwords match and are strong enough.
Key files will disrupt system and boot partition operations by making the files inaccessible. If you add a key file to a system partition procedure, then you will not be able to boot the system back up to Windows. Aside from booting processes, key files function properly with other volumes.
Disk management information
DiskCryptor uses encryption algorithms: AES, Serpent, and Twofish. Common, supported file formats tinclide exFAT, FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS. Along with encrypting and decrypting drives on PCs, DiskCryptor can encrypt ISO images to create CDs and DVDs. You can use dynamic disks and RAID volumes with the program, and the SSD TRIM extension is supported.
Multiple full disk partitions can be encrypted at the same time. There is a pause feature that lets you resume the procedure at a later time and on a different device. Keyboard shortcuts can conveniently mount and dismount drives, and volumes can be dismounted when you log out of DiskCryptor. The lightweight software installs quickly and does not take up much storage space.
How do I use DiskCryptor?
The user interface is clean and easy to use. There is an upper menu bar that you can access for additional commands: ‘File’, ‘Volumes’, ‘Tools’, and ‘Help’. While the ‘Help’ tab does not provide full support, there are still a lot of helpful articles available on the internet that give guidance about any issues that may arise.
The commands are located in the right panel: ‘Mount’, ‘Encrypt’, ‘Decrypt’, ‘Mount All’, and ‘Unmount All’. Detailed information about the disk drives is available in the left portion of the screen. You can interact with the data to receive additional information about volumes, which you can read at the bottom of the screen above ‘Info’.
Before you encrypt a system partition, you can create a backup bootable disc that is able to decrypt the partition to prevent the loss of valuable information. You can encrypt a volume by selecting a partition in the left area and then pressing the ‘Encrypt’ button on the right-hand side of the UI. The default options that are presented can let you move through the process seamlessly.
The encryption algorithm and wipe mode can be adjusted within the ‘Encryption Settings’ window that appears. The default algorithm is ‘AES’. If you are okay with the automatic settings, then you can click ‘Next’ to continue. The following page presents bootloader settings. You can click on the dropdown menu to adjust the bootloader from the default option: ‘Install to HDD’.
Once you complete ‘Boot Settings’, you will be asked to enter a password to secure the encryption. The passcode can consist of letters and numbers. If you are booting a system, then marking the ‘Use Keyfile’ box will cause issues. Beneath ‘Password Rating’, you can see whether the code is easily breakable or not. The encryption process will begin after you press ‘OK’.
DiskCrypt offers full compatibility
You can encrypt and decrypt internal and external storage devices with DiskCrypt: DVD disks, hard drives, USB storage drives, etc. DiskCrypt can place boot encryptions on a system partition to make the OS bootable. Encrypted CDs and DVDs can be made with ISO images. You can decrypt and encrypt portions or the whole disk.
Alternative disk encryption software options
BitLocker, DriveCrypt, and VeraCrypt are comparable applications that encrypt disks and partitions. Because Microsoft Windows developed and released BitLocker, you can find it included across all Microsoft operating systems. All of the applications mentioned above include the ability to setvolume passwords to enhance security settings. Along with DiskCryptor, VeraCrypt is free and open-source.
A discontinued software called TrueCrypt prefaced VeraCrypt’s popularity. DriveCrypt is a paid offering that focuses on protecting users’ proprietary information. While VeraCrypt is compatible with Apple Mac, Microsoft Windows, and Linux operating systems, the BitLocker, DiskCrypt, and DriveCrypt apps are not cross-platform programs and only function on Windows systems. VeraCrypt is the best comprehensive choice with pre-boot authentication capabilities.
Free transparent encryption and decryption
DiskCrypt will encrypt external and internal disk devices for free. The broad choice for decryption and encryption abilities, DiskCrypt supports AES, Twofish, and Serpent algorithms while encrypting disks, drives, ISO images, etc. DiskCrypt offers multi-boot options for an encrypted Windows OS. The lightweight freeware provides an easy-to-navigate command-line interface that can guide you through the encryption and decryption process easily.
What’s new?
While DiskCrypt functions with the recent versions of Microsoft Windows OS, there are still system issues that need to be adjusted. On the official website, you read about their most recent software update, privacy policy, etc.
