- #How to encrypt your laptop windows 10 upgrade#
- #How to encrypt your laptop windows 10 password#
- #How to encrypt your laptop windows 10 professional#
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#How to encrypt your laptop windows 10 password#
You can then start the data encryption process, and when it is complete, the drive can only be accessed if the correct password is provided.
In the case of removable media, it's a good idea to select the compatible method of encryption in case you want to be able to access the drive using computers with older versions of Windows installed - but the new method is more secure, and is recommended for added peace of mind. While it is possible to use a smart card for unlocking, a password is a simpler option - tick this option and then enter and confirm your password before clicking Next.Īs with hard drive encryption, you have various ways of backing up your recovery key in case you lose your password, and you can choose between encrypting only used space, or everything. This time, look to the Removable data drives - BitLocker To Go section, and click the Turn BitLocker on link next to the drive you want to encrypt and then specify how you want to be able to unlock the drive. Connect the drive you would like to protect click the Start button, type BitLocker and click the Manage BitLocker link. The method for encrypting removable media is very similar. With this done, you can start the encryption process and secure the contents of your drive.Įncrypt removable media with BitLocker To Go Finally, you need to choose the type of encryption that should be used - either the "new encryption mode" or "compatible mode". Microsoft advises using the faster method of only encrypting used disk space on new computers, while the slower option of encrypting the entire drive is recommended for older systems.
The next step is to choose just what should be encrypted. You could choose, for instance, to save the key to a USB drive, so data can only be accessed and decrypted when it is present. You can choose between saving the key to your Microsoft account, saving it locally as a file, or printing it out. The next thing you need to do is back up your recovery key so you won't ever lose access to your data. Another option is to right-click a drive in Explorer and select the Turn BitLocker on option in the context menu. You will then be presented with a list of drives that can be encrypted.Ĭlick the Turn BitLocker on link next to the drive you would like to encrypt. The quickest way to access it is to click the Start button, type BitLocker and click the Manage BitLocker link that appears.
#How to encrypt your laptop windows 10 professional#
Of course, there are plenty of tools you could use to encrypt and safeguard your files or even your entire hard drive, but the benefit of using BitLocker is that it is integrated into Windows 10 Professional (which can be yours for j ust $39.99/£39.99), so there's no need for any additional software.īitLocker is one of the few reasons you still need to make use of the Control Panel in Windows 10, as this is where the utility is housed. Save 80% on Windows 10 Pro - limited time offerĭespite its inherent usefulness to everyone, Microsoft decided to make BitLocker exclusive to the Professional version of Windows 10 - a good incentive to upgrade! And although BitLocker has the power to securely protect your private and sensitive data from prying eyes, the feature is pleasingly simple to use… when you know how, that is!.This Microsoft Certified Partner tried to sell me the non-existent Windows 11.Microsoft's redesigned Windows 10 Start menu is a big improvement.