TrueCrypt for Windows

Name: TrueCrypt
Rating: 4.3 (323 reviews)
Author: TrueCrypt Foundation

Used TrueCrypt for Windows?

Using TrueCrypt is not secure as it may contain unfixed security issues. The development of TrueCrypt was ended in 5/2014 after Microsoft terminated support of Windows XP. Windows 8/7/Vista and later offer integrated support for encrypted disks and virtual disk images. You should migrate any data encrypted by TrueCrypt to encrypted disks or virtual disk images supported on your platform. Please refer to TrueCrypt's site for an important update about this software.

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 25, 2026

This free, open-source software offers comprehensive disk encryption. It creates virtual encrypted disks, encrypts partitions and devices, and provides real-time, transparent encryption.

Pros
- Open-source and free to use.
- Creates virtual encrypted disks.
- Encrypts entire partitions and devices.
- Real-time transparent encryption.
- Supports multiple strong encryption algorithms.
Cons
- Provides plausible deniability features.
- Based on older E4M 2.02a technology.

TrueCrypt for Windows

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 3, 2014

Latest update: February 25, 2026

Version: 7.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 814,615

Downloads Last Week: 4

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.3/5

323 User Votes

Highest standard in encryption
sec.eng.August 20, 2014
Pros
See summary
Cons
See summary
Summary
In the security field, publicly audited source code is the absolute highest standard. Since no company can stand up to governments, all their proprietary security products are by definition compromised. NIST standards are compromised because they are ran by the NSA. This gives us two qualifiers for reviewing all security tools: 1) is it open-source? 2) will it allow non-NIST standards? TrueCrypt answers yes to both.
Crashed more than once in my Win 7 64-bit PC
martago54May 23, 2014
Pros
The possibility of creating a large file container that when mounted, works as a new drive in Windows Explorer.
Cons
I found the 64-bit version buggy. If you forget to select a file to mount and click the Mount button, you correctly get an error screen. Then you will select the file as you should have done and you will try again the Mount button. The programs hangs and it has to be ended by calling the Windows Task manager.
Summary
Not only the program (latest 7.1a version) has crashed me more than once, but also the error report web screen is a nightmare to fill in, with too many required fields to input. If you forget one required field you have to press the Back button of your browser and you will find your input screen blanked, forcing you to start over from scratch. In my view, either you have a professional approach when making available a software, even when it is free or open source, or you better keep it for yourself as it is.
Absolutely Fantastic!
pierdzioszekApril 20, 2014
Pros
Never had problem with encryption (I've always encrypted whole drives) Always got the feeling that my data is safe It's free!!! (but donate if you like it)
Cons
Not the most user friendly software. A little bit old-fashioned :)
Summary
I've been using it for at least 3 years. All my data is on a Truecrypt hdd. It's back up as well! Never thought of trying another one.
Works great. No problems whatsoever!
alexmonteMarch 15, 2014
Pros
Encrypts and decrypts perfectly with absolutely no issues.
Cons
None so far and I've been using it for about half a year.
Summary
Works Perfectly!
best encryption program i've seen
maxell_moonJanuary 28, 2014
Pros
nice and easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Cons
no obvious flaws as yet.
Summary
Horrible!!!
jzamiJanuary 19, 2014
Pros
NONE - No, seriously, I have nothing to recommend.
Cons
Tutorial is less than worthless!
Summary
After following the so-called tutorial I was able to create an encrypted, usable USB Flash Drive twice - TWICE!! - out of over 20 attempts. The tutorial leaves out critical steps. If you receive an error message and try to redo the process, it aborts unless you eliminate ALL evidence of the previous attempt. All I wanted to do was create an encrypted USB Flash Drive. Simple, right? Sucker. Before committing to a real encrypted backup, I tried to create a simple folder on a small USB flash drive. After a dozen tries it somehow worked. I don't know how it worked, but it did. I tried to replicate it. After another dozen tries it miraculously did. I thought the third time would be a breeze. Eight tries later I still CANNOT replicate the encrypted backup. I have run out of patience.
TrueCrypt appears to be very good
Mojo707November 3, 2013
Pros
It was easy to download, install and then simple to run, so it should give confidence of protecting my data.
Cons
Nothing with TrueCrypt, however during the download from CNET an annoying cookie of advertising was installed as well, which took several days to find and remove it.
Summary
I can travel with some assurance that personal data is protected by a easy to use program.
very nice program and did everything i wanted it to
SuperBen10August 2, 2013
Pros
free and does everything it says it does seems like a top notch program im very impressed with it
Cons
it could be more user friendly(explain things some) aside from that none that i can think of.
Summary
Does what it says, with limitations
TheLeopardzJuly 26, 2013
Pros
- Secures data - Invisible
Cons
- Will never accept password on first try. Must dismount and remount drive every single time. - Cannot remove decryption without wiping entire drive. I have a 3TB drive and the instructions say to "move all files off drive first." To where? Poor limitation.
Summary
I installed this before I realized it was a one-way trip. Now I wish I hadn't
*Real* Security right here!
PrivacyDriverJune 30, 2013
Pros
Written by some of the best minds in the business. If you want true encryption then you should not look any further... fact
Cons
Nothing so far
Summary

Developer’s Description

By TrueCrypt Foundation

Encrypt your sensitive data with this open-source software.

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.

TrueCrypt for Windows

Editors’ Review

Pros

Cons

TrueCrypt for Windows

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User Reviews

Highest standard in encryption

Crashed more than once in my Win 7 64-bit PC

Absolutely Fantastic!

Works great. No problems whatsoever!

best encryption program i've seen

Horrible!!!

TrueCrypt appears to be very good

very nice program and did everything i wanted it to

Does what it says, with limitations

*Real* Security right here!

Developer’s Description

Real Security right here!