why is steam decrypting my portal 2 files?

Answer 1

"Decrypting" is Valve's secret method of unlocking your Portal 2 files so you can play. I'm assuming that you already preloaded the game files, so now once the decrpting is done you should be able to play Portal 2.

Answer 2

You have to do it so that VALVe can allow you to play. Also, don't worry if it seems to get stuck at 32%. It will go on.

Answer 3

portal 2 files were encrypted when you preloaded it so no one could play

after steam decrypts the files, you would be able to play the game

Answer 4

It's an anti piracy method. Once your account and files are verified, the files will be decrypted and you will able to play.

Answer 5

Decrypting is meant for protection against hackers, if there werent any encryption then valve probably wouldnt allow preloading the game, since all the hackers could get it. So they protect it by encrypting it and decrypting it on release.

Answer 6

Decrypting is a way to unlock the files to let you play.

It needs to be encrypted before launch to prevent people from playing it.