.PFILE File Extension

A PFILE file is a file that has been encrypted using Azure Information Protection (AIP). The encryption prevents unauthorized users from viewing the file. PFILEs typically contain sensitive documents, such as .VSDX or .DOCX files, to which a user wants to limit access.

Azure Information Protection, previously known as Microsoft Rights Management (RMS), is a data security system that companies use to control access to sensitive files. One of the ways companies use AIP to protect their files is by encrypting them and restricting access to a subset of authorized users.

Files encrypted using AIP are saved as PFILE, .PPDF, PTXT, or PJPG files. PPDF, PTXT, and PJPG files contain a read-only document or image. PFILE files contain an editable document, image, or other file.

You're most likely to encounter a PFILE file if:

• Your organization uses AIP
• You receive a PFILE as an email attachment, from a user whose organization uses AIP

Before attempting to open the file, you must install Microsoft Azure Information Protection Viewer (Windows) or Microsoft RMS Sharing (Mac).

You can open a PFILE file with Microsoft Azure Information Protection Viewer (Windows) or Microsoft RMS Sharing (Mac). In both apps, you will most likely be prompted to enter an authorized username and password, or other authorized credentials, to open the file.