Using
encryption is essential when transferring sensitive files from person
to person. Below are the steps to install Gpg4win and use it to decrypt
gpg files on a Windows computer.
Installing Gpg4win
We
want to only use the Kleopatra program from the Gpg4win bundle. There
are several other cool plugins for Outlook et al. but for this we don't
need all that.
- Go to this site http://www.gpg4win.org/download.html
- Click on the Full installer link
- Download the installation file
- When the download is complete open it up
- Follow the install wizard but when you get to this page make sure all checks are unchecked except for Kleopatra:
Complete the installation and don't worry about reading the README file at the end.
2. Go to the File menu and select Decrypt/Verify Files...
3. Find and select the file you want to decrypt
4. You will see a decryption settings page that looks like this:
5. For
normal decryption (with symmetric keys) all you have to do is set the
Output folder to tell Kleopatra where the decrypted file(s) should go.
Here we are decrypting an encrypted pdf file called test.pdf.gpg into the output folder E:/
6. When ready click on the Decrypt/Verify button
7. You will be prompted for the password:
8. After you enter the password click OK
9. If successful, you should see this:
10. Now, if you look in the output folder previously selected, you will see a file with the ".gpg" removed. This is the decrypted file. So, for example, if you were decrypting test.pdf.gpg you will find test.pdf in the output directory.
Final Thoughts
This
method is not the most secure way of transferring files but the setup
is minimal when your recipient may not want to go through the extra
steps needed to use public key encryption. Public key encryption is
usually more secure than symmetric key encryption. Gpg4win is very well
made and has many bells and whistles. It makes the use of public key
encryption much easier. So take a look at how to set up and use public
key encryption in their manual.
Below I have listed a series of videos which describe:
- Installing Gpg4win
- Generating public/private keys
- Encrypting/Decrypting files using public key encryption
