PGP Tool for Windows

Quick summary

PGP Tool is a free desktop program that simplifies OpenPGP-based encryption for both files and text. It runs via a Java graphical interface, allowing users to load and manage keys, encrypt and decrypt data, and perform common cryptographic tasks without using the command line. A built-in key manager lets you import, export, and securely keep OpenPGP keys.

Key handling and user interface

The application provides direct loading of public and private key files into a central key manager. Once imported, keys are parsed and their properties (such as algorithm type and key length) are shown in the UI so you can choose which key to use for an operation. Controls for viewing key metadata are available alongside the key list.

• Keys can be imported from files and assigned to operations from a selectable list.
• The UI displays algorithm and size information for each loaded key.
• Export and secure storage functions are provided for key material.

All main elements — key list, file selection, and text areas — are kept in a single window. Core actions are presented as clearly labeled buttons tied to specific tasks, following a straightforward, linear sequence: load keys, pick a target, then perform the PGP action. The program does not use multiple windows or tabs; everything happens in the same workspace.

How file and text encryption work

PGP Tool treats file encryption and text encryption as parallel but similar workflows housed in the same interface. For files, pick the target file, choose a public key, and produce an encrypted output file. For text, paste or type the content, select the appropriate key, and encrypt or decrypt to get plaintext or ciphertext back in the output panel.

• File workflow: select a file, attach a public key, and create an encrypted file.
• Text workflow: paste text into the editor, choose a key, and run encryption or decryption.
• Decryption uses the loaded private key and can produce either a new file or text shown in the interface.

Each operation is initiated with the corresponding button; results appear in the same window so you can immediately review or save them.

Typical usage steps

1. Import your public and/or private key files into the key manager.
2. Select the key you want to use from the list.
3. Choose a file or paste the text you wish to process.
4. Click the encrypt or decrypt button to perform the action.
5. View and save the output that appears in the workspace.

Limitations and missing capabilities

While effective for basic OpenPGP tasks, the tool is intentionally simple and omits several advanced features:

• No multi-profile or multi-account key handling.
• Limited or no advanced cryptographic configuration options.
• Single-window layout without tabbed or multi-window support.

If you require extensive key administration, complex policy options, or multi-session workflows, you may need a more feature-rich OpenPGP client.