VeraCrypt is a free and open-source utility for on-the-fly encryption (OTFE). The software can create a virtual encrypted disk that works just like a regular disk, but within a file. It can also encrypt a partition or (in Microsoft Windows) the entire storage device with pre-boot authentication.
VeraCrypt is a fork of the discontinued TrueCrypt project. It was initially released on 22 June 2013. Many security improvements have been implemented and concerns within the TrueCrypt code audits have been addressed. VeraCrypt includes optimizations to the original cryptographic hash functions and ciphers, which boost performance on modern central processing units.
VeraCrypt employs AES, Serpent, Twofish, Camellia, and Kuznyechik as ciphers. Version 1.19 stopped using the Magma cipher in response to a security audit. For additional security, ten different combinations of cascaded algorithms are available:
What is VeraCrypt?
VeraCrypt by IDRIX is open-source Windows software in the disk & usb tools category. The first release dates back to 2013. It is written in C++, C, and assembly language. Besides Windows, it is available for macOS, Linux and FreeBSD. Its interface is available in 3 languages.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides MSI installers for 64-bit Windows. The main installer is 52.8 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches. An MSI package is available for deployment with Group Policy, Intune or Configuration Manager.
Updates and version history
The current version is 1.26.29, released on June 16, 2026. The version history goes back to February 21, 2022: 8 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 1.9 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
Wikipedia has an article about it in 14 of our languages. Similar programs include Rufus, Ventoy and gdu.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- MSI package for managed deployment
- Documented silent install
- Also runs on macOS, Linux and FreeBSD
- Mature project (since 2013)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: VeraCrypt is an open-source disk & usb tool tool for 64-bit PCs. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is VeraCrypt safe to download?
- The file is served by launchpad.net; check that it is the publisher’s official mirror
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
5BA6426983123CFB92BC1F09BD888FDBC0F53F300D0D9C5DA52CE3AEE8D474F0· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 8 versions ›8 versions over 4 years · about 1.9 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.26.29Latest | June 16, 2026 | 52.8 MB | 64-bit MSI |
| 1.26.24 | May 31, 2025 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 1.26.20 | February 5, 2025 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 1.26.18 | January 21, 2025 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 1.26.15 | September 3, 2024 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 1.26.14 | August 27, 2024 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 1.26.7 | April 4, 2024 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 1.25.9 | February 21, 2022 | — | 64-bit MSI |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id IDRIX.VeraCrypt -emsiexec /i VeraCrypt_Setup_x64_1.26.29.msi /qn /norestart /qn ACCEPTLICENSE=YESmsiexec /x {0F25FB8F-24DC-418E-8E5D-015D9CB5F4C0} /qn /norestartRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install --cask veracryptInformation
- Publisher
- IDRIX
- Category
- Disk & USB tools
- Licence
- Apache 2.0
- Price
- Free
- Written in
- C++, C, and assembly language
- Interface languages
- English, Russian, and multiple languages
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit
- Installer
- MSI
- Other platforms
- macOS, Linux, FreeBSD
- Version
- 1.26.29
- Released
- June 16, 2026
- First release
- 2013
- Added to the catalogue
- February 21, 2022
- Versions listed
- 8
- Updates / year
- 1.9
- Website
- veracrypt.io
- winget ID
- IDRIX.VeraCrypt
- MSI product code
- {0F25FB8F-24DC-418E-8E5D-015D9CB5F4C0}
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to VeraCrypt
See all ›-
Rufus4.15A utility that helps format and create bootable USB flash drives, such as USB keys/pendrives, memory sticks, etc.Open source840.1K ↓ -
Ventoy1.1.18Ventoy is an open source tool to create bootable USB drive for ISO/WIM/IMG/VHD(x)/EFI files.Open source206.5K ↓ -
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unetbootin702UNetbootin allows you to create bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions without burning a CD.Open source54.9K ↓ -
smartmontools7.5smartmontools contains utility programs (smartctl, smartd) to control/monitor storage systems using the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology System (S.M.A.R.T.) built into most modern ATA and SCSI disks. It is derived from smartsuite.Open source853.5K ↓ -
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Frequently asked questions
Is VeraCrypt free?
Yes. VeraCrypt is open-source software under the Apache 2.0 licence.
Is VeraCrypt safe to download?
The download comes from launchpad.net; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install VeraCrypt with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can VeraCrypt be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer, including msiexec for the MSI package.
Does VeraCrypt run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of VeraCrypt?
The versions page lists all 8 versions with links to their official installer files, back to February 21, 2022.
What are alternatives to VeraCrypt?
Rufus, Ventoy, gdu, unetbootin and smartmontools. The alternatives page compares them.
