Windows cipher /e equivalent in Linux
Encrypts a file with a passphrase using GnuPG.
cipher /e
gpg -c file
gpg -c file
gpg -c file
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "cipher /e" is used to encrypt file symmetrically. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "gpg -c file". Encrypts a file with a passphrase using GnuPG. This reference is grouped under Security & Permissions → Encryption.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows cipher /e maps to gpg -c file for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux permissions for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Encrypt file symmetrically
Encrypts a file with a passphrase using GnuPG.
gpg -c file
Encrypt file symmetrically
gpg --help
Show command help when supported
man gpg
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
gpg -c file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: cipher /e
gpg -c fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
gpg -c file | Encrypt file symmetrically |
gpg --help | Show command help when supported |
man gpg | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "gpg -c file" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | gpg -c file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | gpg -c file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | gpg -c file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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