What is BitLocker and How to Use BitLocker?

What is BitLocker

What is BitLocker and how to use BitLocker drive encryption

If you’re storing sensitive files, applications, or other sensitive information on your computer, it’s a great idea to use the Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption. But if you’re like the many people asking yourself, “how does BitLocker work?”, then this article is for you.

Today we’ll walk you through how to use BitLocker, how the technology works behind the scenes, the OS requirements for BitLocker, and everything that you may need to know about this tool!

What is BitLocker drive encryption

If you ask yourself which Windows feature can you use to encrypt a hard drive volume? Yes, that’s BitLocker! Microsoft BitLocker is a Windows native security feature that will encrypt everything on the drive that Windows is installed upon. You can encrypt PCs or drives, and full-volume encryption will ensure that only those with the correct encryption key will be able to decrypt and access your files and information.

What exactly is BitLocker used for? Great question! BitLocker drive encryption prevents unwanted access to a computer’s operating system drive. Password-encrypting a computer’s operating system drive secures and protects any files, images, or data from prying eyes.

How is BitLocker operated?

The hardware component known as a TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, is used for BitLocker to operate. BitLocker will generate a recovery key for your hard drive, requiring a specific pin number to be entered each time your machine boots up. Additionally, in the unlikely event that you forget your password, you can utilize the recovery key. Make sure you store this recovery key in a secure location that isn’t the computer that is being used or a USB flash drive that is simple to hack.

What are the advantages of using BitLocker?

BitLocker’s objective is to safeguard computers and drives from data leaks and intrusions. The main advantages are:

The TPM module encrypts your entire disk and provides a high level of security.

BitLocker can be configured to save keys to Active Directory automatically.

The native Windows function entails no further licensing fees.

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Simple to assemble (Continue reading for a detailed tutorial on Windows 10)

What prerequisites must I meet in order to use BitLocker?

• BitLocker is not compatible with all PCs or encrypted drives. Currently, Windows is compatible with the following operating systems:
• Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise editions (Note that installation, activation, and activation of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 1.2 or higher are required.)
• Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 10 Windows Server 2008 and later Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 8 and 8.1
• In order to print the recovery key, you also need to have access to a printer and be logged into the computer as an administrator.

How to make BitLocker available in Windows 10

1. You must first search for Manage BitLocker in the Start menu search box in order to enable BitLocker. This may be located in the control panel under Device Encryption or as a separate setting. Keep in mind that Windows 10 Home edition does not support BitLocker data protection. Turn on Bitlocker by clicking on the obvious “Turn on BitLocker” option, if it is accessible. A few settings will be shown to you; let’s go over each one individually.
2. Initially, Windows will verify that BitLocker is compatible with your setup and system settings. For instance, Windows will automatically turn on your TPM module if it is off. Make sure that any open work is finished and/or saved because you might need to restart your computer one or more times.
3. You will be prompted to select a password and maybe a recovery password before encryption starts. Every time you use your drive or PC, even before the operating system boots up, you will need to enter this. Either manually enter this or use a USB flash drive. You will also select your recovery key settings at this time, which are necessary in the unlikely event that you are unable to access your computer with the pin number.
4. With Windows 10 BitLocker, you can choose to print the recovery key by hand, save the file to a flash drive, store it to a local or cloud file, or save it to your Microsoft account.
5. You will be asked to select the portion of your drive that you wish to encrypt after selecting “Next.” There are two options for volume encryption: “whole drive” and “used disk space only.” For fresh PCs and drives, used disk space is faster, therefore it’s a good option; for drives that are already in use, the entire drive is preferable. But be aware that the encryption procedure will take significantly longer if you select the entire drive.
6. You will also be prompted to select the encryption mode on Windows 10 build 1511 or later; the options are compatible or new. For portable drives that will subsequently be utilized with older Windows OS versions, compatibility is ideal. You’ll probably need to check “new” for your storage disk. Remember to click the “Run BitLocker system check” box to make sure Windows performs a system check prior to the encryption starting.
7. The first time you enter the password on your computer, you will now need to manually restart it. You just need to confirm when asked if you’re ready to encrypt at this point.

What’s the duration of the BitLocker encryption process?

What a lovely query! That will undoubtedly vary based on the volume of data that needs to be secured and the effort required to complete the encryption process. On the newer systems, it could only take twenty minutes, but on the slower end of the scale, it might take up to three hours. When encryption is occurring, try not to use the device. If you must quickly, you may want to think about whether “used disk space only” is the best option for your security needs.

How can I use BitLocker to decrypt?

The same button to disable BitLocker is available if you decide later on that you no longer want to utilize BitLocker to secure your data. To do this, simply return to the control panel’s control bitlocker device encryption settings. The system will start decrypting automatically, and you can confirm your choice when prompted by the OS.

Everyone, that’s it!

And that concludes our discussion! We really hope that helps you decide whether to use BitLocker and learn how to use this native Windows device encryption feature in practice. We are available to assist you at any moment if you have any additional questions.

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