> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/parallels-desktop-developers-guide/command-line-interface-utility/manage-virtual-machines-from-cli/general-virtual-machine-management/encrypt-decrypt-a-virtual-machine.md).

# Encrypt/Decrypt a Virtual Machine

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: These commands are not supported for macOS virtual machines.
{% endhint %}

**prlctl encrypt** <*vm\_id* | *vm\_name*> \[**--dry-run**]

Encrypts the specified virtual machine. You can use the the **--dry-run** option to check preconditions for successful encryption. The **encrypt** command will encrypt the specified virtual machine and all its data. A user will be prompted to enter an encryption password after the command is executed. The password will be required to decrypt the virtual machine later. The encryption password can be modified for an encrypted virtual machine using the **change-passwd** command (see below).

**prlctl decrypt** <*vm\_id* | *vm\_name*> \[**--dry-run**]

Decrypts the specified encrypted virtual machine. You can use the **--dry-run** option to check preconditions for successful decryption. The **decrypt** command will decrypt the specified virtual machine. A user will have to enter a password that was specified when the virtual machine was encrypted.

**prlctl change-passwd** <*vm\_id* | *vm\_name*>

Changes the encryption password for the specified virtual machine. A user will be asked to enter the current and the new password.


---

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