PGP on Windows

💻 Using PGP on Windows (Gpg4win & Kleopatra)

This section walks through encrypting a message or file using Gpg4win and its GUI tool Kleopatra

📦 1. Install Gpg4win

• Download from: https://gpg4win.org
• During setup, make sure Kleopatra is selected.

---

🔑 2. Import the Recipient’s Public Key

1. Open Kleopatra
2. Click File → Import Certificates…
3. Select the .asc or .gpg file you downloaded
4. Confirm the fingerprint matches the published value

---

✍️ 3. Encrypt a Message (Text)

1. In Kleopatra, go to Tools → Clipboard → Encrypt
2. Paste your message
3. Select the recipient’s public key
4. Click Encrypt
5. Copy or save the armored output (begins with -----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE-----)

You can now send that encrypted message via email or any communication platform.

---

📁 4. Encrypt a File

1. Right-click on any file (e.g., PDF or TXT)
2. Choose More GpgEX options → Encrypt
3. Select the recipient key
4. The encrypted file will be saved with a .gpg extension

---

🔓 5. Decrypt a Message or File

To decrypt a file:

• Right-click .gpg file → Decrypt and verify

To decrypt a clipboard message:

• In Kleopatra, go to Tools → Clipboard → Decrypt/Verify
• Paste the encrypted message
• Kleopatra will prompt for your private key if needed

---

🧠 Tips for Windows Users

• Your private key is protected by a passphrase — never share it.
• You can export your public key for others to encrypt messages to you.
• Kleopatra also supports signing files and messages to verify your identity.

---

📘 For full walkthroughs, see:

• Gpg4win Documentation
• Kleopatra User Guide (PDF)