- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows XP
- Date added: October 20, 2009
- Total Downloads: 327,527
- Downloads last week: 1,807
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 192 votes
See all user reviews -

CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on November 06, 2008
The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features that those concerned with protecting their data from thievery should want--and have.
It offers 11 algorithms for encrypting your private files in a password-protected volume. You can store your encrypted data in files (containers) or partitions (devices). TrueCrypt works hard to offer powerful data protection, recommending complex passwords, explaining the benefits of hidden volumes, and erasing telltale signs of the encryption process, including mouse movements and keystrokes. Though the interface may not be immediately intuitive, its powerful, on-the-fly encryption for no cost still earns the freeware security tool a top rating.
The useful tips in the extensive help manual and volume-creation wizard provide excellent guidance. In fact, they're required reading, as TrueCrypt lacks any considerable in-program help. For instance, the tutorial explains the entire concept beyond "hidden" volumes, but it doesn't quite explain how to mount them. One obvious downside of any strong encryption program is if you happen to forget your lengthy, secure password, you should consider any protected files as good as gone. However, once files are mounted to a local drive with your password or key, they conveniently behave just like any normal files, allowing you to easily open, copy, delete, or other modify them another way. Dismount the volume, and voila--your previously accessible files are now safely secure from prying eyes.
Users can even create a hidden operating system, encrypted away from nosy busybodies, but make no mistake--TrueCrypt is not for the casual encryption explorer. Be sure to thoroughly understand what you're doing with the program before you do something regrettable.
Publisher's description
From TrueCrypt Foundation :Protect your sensitive data with this free open-source disk encryption software. Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a real disk. Encrypt an entire hard disk partition or a device, such as USB flash drive. Automatically and transparently encrypt in real time.
TrueCrypt provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password: a hidden volume (steganography- more information may be found here); no TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data). TrueCrypt uses encryption algorithms AES-256, Blowfish (448-bit key), CAST5, Serpent, Triple DES, and Twofish. It is based on Encryption for the Masses (E4M) 2.02a, conceived in 1997.
What's new in this version:
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 192 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 7 user reviewsSee all 7 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3
Pros: -Easy to use
-Secure
-Very thorough and complete programmingCons: None whatsoever
Summary: Wonderful Product! I use it all the time. If only every program was this good...
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3
"Not good for encrypting entire drive"
Pros: Didn't try the container encryption method, so didn't see anything good.
Cons: Encrypted data drive and every time Vista booted up, it wanted to format the drive. TrueCrypt was often unable to mount encrypted volume without retrieving the volume information. Once a drive is encrypted, there is no way to undo w/o reformatting!
Summary: Whole drive encryption of my data disk basically did not function correctly at all with Windows Vista. Vista wanted to reformat the drive on every boot. TrueCrypt had major difficulties trying to mount the volume without retrieving information from ... read more >>
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Version: TrueCrypt 6.3
"Does what I expected it to do."
Pros: Loaded it for my USB drive. Understood the basics with no problem. Works just as I expected it to.
Cons: None that I am aware of at this point in time.
Summary: Great for USB Drive!
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Version: TrueCrypt 6.3
Pros: Not that hard to install and learn, made it possible to have a "safe disc" in my work notebook where i can keep my stuff from the network managers (calm down, just my cost esitmates , no porn ! ) .
Cons: As i have some knowledge with computers , this gave me no hard time yet. Will get back here if something appears.
Summary: Go for it if there is something you want to keep private and avaliable in a convenient manner.
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Version: TrueCrypt 6.3
"Encryption for the average user"
Pros: easy to use and secure
Cons: none at all
- See all 7 user reviews Write review
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