I would like to encrypt files in Windows 8 but the "Encrypt Contents" button is greyed out.

Hi Stacey,

Thank you for choosing Windows 8 and thanks for providing us an opportunity to assist you.

As per the description provided, you are unable to encrypt some files as the encrypt contents button is grayed out.

Are you trying to encrypt the files which were already present in the Windows 8 or were it transferred from a different computer?

I would suggest you to follow the methods below to check if it resolves the issue:

Method 1: Run SFC scan to fix corrupted files in the computer:

a.       Type “cmd” on the start search and select “Settings”

b.      Right click on command prompt and left click on Run as Administrator.

c.       In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

 Method 2: Let’s run a virus scan:

Microsoft Safety Scanner

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Note: Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.

Method 3: Let’s check in new user account to check if there is any corruption in the old user account:

Create a user account

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/create-user-account

Note: If the issue is resolved, transfer the data from old account to new account.

a.       Open  Computer

b.      Select C drive

c.       Open  “Users”

d.      Open your user account

e.      Copy the contents and paste it in the new user account.

Hi

Same problem. Running the standard version of Win8, OEM preinstalled.

Tried all the steps given, but still unavailable.

I found I can run "Cipher.exe" in a dos prompt, although I did not try encrypting anything.

The EFS service is shown as STOPPED, and the start type is set to "Manual Trigger" - is this correct? I have not changed status of this.

Regards

Robert

Hi Robert,

By default the services would be stopped and set to manual. You can click on start and there's no harm.

Try in clean boot to check if there are any conflicting programs/applications:

 How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: When the troubleshooting is over do not forget to reset the computer to normal startup.

Hope the information helps.