Cannot add user to an encrypted file On win 11

Hi All,

So I have an issue with some encrypted  files as follows:

Files are located on an external drive

1. I few years back I encrypted the files while using windows 10.

2. Last month I have done a clean install of windows 11

3. now I cannot get access to the files error message reads: "we cannot open the file, you do not have permission to access the file.

4. Drive is using exFat file system

What I have tried:
(Please see attached screenshots for a step by step visual explanation):
screenshots 1-3

1. under the file properties menu I go to -> Advance - > compress or encrypt attributes > details
-> add -> adding my current user -> receiving an error message.

Second thing I tried

screenshots 4-5

2. under the file properties menu I go to -> Advance - > compress or encrypt attributes > uncheck the "encrypt ..." option
I get an error message

I will really appreciate your assistance I would very much like to get back access to my files.12345