Microsoft Windows Error Code 0xC0000271: How to Fix It

Medium 10-25 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0xC0000271
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
10-25 minutes
Error code 0xC0000271 (STATUS_DECRYPTION_FAILED) indicates that Windows was unable to decrypt a file or folder protected by the Encrypting File System (EFS). This often happens after changing your password, restoring from backup, or accessing files from another user account. The error can prevent access to your encrypted data, but it's usually fixable without professional help if you have your EFS certificate or recovery key.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0xC0000271

  1. Restart Your Computer

  2. Import Your EFS Certificate (If Available)

    Keep your PFX files secure; anyone with access can decrypt your files.

  3. Check for a Data Recovery Agent (DRA)

  4. Restore from Backup (EFS Recovery Key)

    Use this only if you have the recovery key backup.

  5. Use Command Prompt to Decrypt (Cipher Utility)

    The cipher command may not redirect decryption errors to standard output; ensure you run as administrator.

  6. Take Ownership of the Encrypted File

    Taking ownership requires admin privileges.
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When to Call a Professional

If you don't have the EFS certificate or recovery key backup, and you're not on a domain with a Data Recovery Agent, the encrypted data may be permanently inaccessible. In corporate environments, contact your IT administrator. For home users without backups, consider professional data recovery services, though success is not guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes error 0xC0000271?
This error occurs when Windows tries to decrypt an EFS-encrypted file but cannot due to missing or invalid decryption keys, often after a password change, OS reinstall, or transferring files between accounts.
Can I fix error 0xC0000271 without a backup?
If you never exported your EFS certificate or recovery key, recovery is very difficult. You can try if you still have the original user account password, but Windows may still require the original encryption keys. In some cases, a system restore to a point before the key was lost can help.
How do I back up my EFS certificate to avoid this error?
Open certmgr.msc, navigate to Personal > Certificates, and export the EFS certificates (those with 'Encrypting File System' in the intended purposes) as a PFX file. Protect this file with a strong password.
Will a system restore fix this error?
A system restore may recover the old user profile and its EFS keys if you have a restore point from before the key issue started. However, it's not guaranteed and could affect other settings.
Is error 0xC0000271 the same as 0x80071771?
Similar but not identical. 0x80071771 (ERROR_NO_RECOVERY_POLICY) indicates no recovery policy exists, while 0xC0000271 specifically refers to decryption failure. Both involve EFS issues.

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