Syntax: cipher [/e] [/d] [/f] [/q] [/k] [/u] [/n] [path]
Explanation: [/e] encrypts the specified folder, including files that are added in the future.
[/d] decrypts the specified folder.
[/f] forces encryption or decryption because, by default, files that have already been encrypted or decrypted are skipped.
[/q] reports essential information about the encryption or decryption.
[/k] creates a new file encryption key.
[/u] updates the encryption key to the current one for all encrypted files if the keys have been changed. /u works only with the /n option.
[/n] finds all encrypted files. It prevents keys from being updated. It is used only with /u.
[path] is a pattern, file, or folder.
Examples: cipher /e Book\Chap1
This command encrypts a subfolder called Chap1 that is located in a folder called Book.
cipher /e /s:Book
This command encrypts all subfolders in the folder called Book.
cipher Book
This command displays whether the Book folder is encrypted.
cipher Book\Chap 1\*
This command display whether any files in the Chap1 subfolder of the Book folder are encrypted.
Notes: Multiple parameters are separated with spaces. Read-only files and folders cannot be encrypted.