What Is an AXX File?

This article explains what an AXX file is, including how to decrypt one to make the data usable again, and what to do if you want to convert the AXX file.

What Is an AXX File?

A file with the AXX file extension is an encrypted file created by AxCrypt, a program that scrambles (encrypts) a file to the point that it's unusable without first being decrypted with a specific password/passphrase.

When an AXX file is created, it's automatically assigned the exact same name as the unencrypted file, but with this file extension appended to the end. For example, encrypting vacation.jpg results in a file called vacation.jpg.axx.

How to Open an AXX File

You can double-click the file to open it with AxCrypt. If you're signed in to your AxCrypt account, opening the file will open the true file and not actually decrypt the AXX file.

Use the program's File > Open Secured menu to open the file without decrypting it. If you want to decrypt it, either right-click it and choose AxCrypt > Decrypt, or use the File > Stop Securing option.

How to Convert an AXX File

This file format is used exclusively with AxCrypt, so the file can't be converted to a different format. If you do manage to "convert" an AXX file to some other format, the contents will remain encrypted and unusable.

To convert a file that AxCrypt has already encrypted and stored as an AXX file requires that you first decrypt it using that same program. Once you have the unencrypted file in your possession, there's a decent chance it can be converted to some other format with a free file converter.

For example, if you decrypt it to find an MP4 inside, you can use a video converter program to save that file (the MP4) to some other compatible format.

Still Can't Open It?

This file extension is awfully similar in spelling to the Audible format for Audible Enhanced Audiobook files that end in AAX. If you're here for those files instead, you can open one with iTunes.

This file extension also looks like the suffix appended to files of other formats, but that doesn't mean they can open with the same software. Some examples include AZZ (AZZ Cardfile Database), AX (DirectShow Filter), AXE (Annotated XML Example), AXD (ASP.NET Web Handler), AXT (Adobe Photoshop Extract), and AXA (Annodex Audio) files.

If your file doesn't open with AxCrypt, check the file extension to see what it ends with. If it's not AXX, research the real file extension to learn more about the format and find which program is capable of opening it.

More Information on AXX Files

AXX files are easy to make on a computer that has AxCrypt installed. Either use the File > Secure menu or right-click what should be encrypted and then choose AxCrypt > Encrypt.

The free version can't make an AXX file from a folder unless you first make the folder an archive file, like a ZIP file. Then, you can encrypt the ZIP file to turn it into an AXX file. If you do decide to encrypt a folder, it will encrypt all the files inside, individually.