How to use BitLocker Device Encryption

BitLocker Device Encryption is a built-in feature in Windows (Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions) that helps protect your data by encrypting the entire drive. Here’s how to set it up and manage it:

🔒 1. Check if Your Device Supports BitLocker

• Press Windows + R → Type tpm.msc → Press Enter.
• Look for “The TPM is ready for use” (Trusted Platform Module is required for full BitLocker functionality).
• Your device also needs Secure Boot enabled in the BIOS.

💻 2. Turn On BitLocker

For Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education:

1. Open Control Panel → Search for BitLocker → Click Manage BitLocker.
2. Click Turn on BitLocker next to the drive you want to encrypt.
3. Choose how you want to unlock the drive at startup:
   • Password (you’ll type this at startup).
   • Smart Card (if available).
4. Save your recovery key:
   • Save to your Microsoft account (recommended).
   • Save to a USB drive.
   • Save as a file or print it out.
5. Choose how much of the drive to encrypt:
   • Encrypt used disk space only (faster, for new PCs).
   • Encrypt entire drive (more secure, for used PCs).
6. Select encryption mode:
   • New encryption mode (XTS-AES) (for fixed drives).
   • Compatible mode (for external drives).
7. Click Start Encrypting and wait for the process to complete.

🔑 3. Manage BitLocker Settings

• To suspend, resume, or turn off BitLocker:
  • Go to Control Panel → Manage BitLocker → Choose your preferred action.

🛠️ 4. Decrypt/Turn Off BitLocker

1. Go to Manage BitLocker.
2. Click Turn off BitLocker → Follow prompts to decrypt.

🚩 5. Additional Tips

• Keep your recovery key safe; without it, you can lose access to your data.
• Regularly back up your files, even with BitLocker enabled.
• Performance impact is minimal with modern hardware.