AxCrypt 2.1.1618

Overview

AxCrypt is the most popular file encryption application available for Windows, with more than 2 million user registrations in its history. This application simplifies the process of encrypting any type of file, with various encryption methods and a few key settings available.

Installation

With a file size of little more than 3 MB, AxCrypt takes just a few minutes to download and install. The compatibility requirements are nominal; your computer will only need to be equipped with one of the following operating systems: Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, or Windows 7. You'll be asked whether or not you wish to install SpeechGrid as well, besides the main program.

Interface

The AxCrypt core interface is certainly well-designed, however it is almost not necessary, as all of the basic features can be executed by simply right clicking a file. For example, if you were browsing through your folders in Windows Explorer, and you decided you want to encrypt and email a particular file, you would only need to right-click it and then select the desired option from the integrated context menu. If you want to work with multiple files at once, or edit the settings of a file that has already been encrypted, it would be better to use the main interface by launching the program from the All Programs section in your Start Menu.

Pros

• A Master Key feature, which enables business admins to recover files of the business members, eliminating the risk of losing access to critical files due to employees leaving or forgetting their passwords

• Password protect files using multiple encryption methods, 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption.

• Context menu integration within Windows lets you right-click objects within the operating system to initiate AxCrypt commands, adding convenience to the already robust feature set.

• Supports self-decrypting files, which automatically decode themselves when clicked with, no password required. These are useful for preventing file interception when sending data via e-mail.

• User interface available in 12 major languages, including English, French, Hungarian, German, Danish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, and Russian.

• Option to create a key file, which is required to open an accompanying encrypted file.

• Extremely user-friendly interface with extensive help documentation makes this program a joy to use

• No complex configuration required; simply run the installation and utilize the self-explanatory features as you see fit

• Official website provides excellent support and a massive knowledge base of information.

• Regularly updated with new encryption methods to keep your data protected from unwanted decryption at all times.

• Can also wipe data from your hard drive.

Cons

• Because of the extensive feature list, a slight learning curve may be involved, particularly for users that have not come familiar with file encryption applications.
• The "Shred and Delete" option is quite simplistic as no other information is given on the process.

Alternatives

There are several other free, open-source file encryption programs available online, the most notable of which are TrueCrypt, My Lockbox, Seahorse (Linux), Folder Lock, WinGuard Pro, and Easy File Locker. Of all of the aforementioned software, AxCrypt is by far the most popular and feature-rich.

Conclusion

If you need to compress, encrypt, decrypt or shred files, AxCrypt is a powerful solution. With a host of features that can be easily accessed in any part of the Windows operating system, this application is easily the top choice amongst free file encryption software.