How to use Bitlocker to encrypt data on Windows 10 (Part 1)

There are many different types of encryption on Windows 10, File - Encrypting File System (EFS) encryption or BitLocker for data encryption (BitLocker Drive Encryption) . In the following article, Network Administrator will show you how to encrypt data on Windows 10 using BitLocker.

1. What is encryption?

Encryption is a method of securing information that does not allow others to use it illegally. When encrypting your information, you can still use this information even if you can share it with other users.

If you send an encrypted Word document to someone, that person will have to decrypt it. There are many different types of encryption on Windows 10, File - Encrypting File System (EFS) encryption or BitLocker for data encryption (BitLocker Drive Encryption) .

2. Some notes

1. Encrypting the entire hard drive is a long process. Before activating BitLocker, you should back up all data on your computer to avoid if the encryption process is going on without accidentally losing power, you do not have a UPS ( UPS ).

1. Windows version 10 November Update has a more secure encryption mode, you can take advantage of this. Note, the new encryption standard is only compatible with the Windows 10 November Update system.

1. If you are using Windows 10 on older computers without the Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) chip , you cannot set up BitLocker.

3. Open BitLocker Drive Encryption on Windows 10

To open BitLocker Drive Encryption on Windows 10, first click Start, select File Explorer , select Computer . Right-click the C drive (or the drive where you installed Windows 10), then click Turn on BitLocker .

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Enter the password to unlock your drive. This is also an important step to ensure that you can boot the system in case you lose Recovery key .

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Select how to backup Recovery key , you can use Microsoft account (if available), or save to a USB drive . in case if you forget your password or lose your smart card, you use this key to Access to encrypted drive.

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You have two options when encrypting your drive if your computer is a new one just encrypted by selecting Used Disk Space Only. Alternatively, you can choose the second way to encrypt the entire disk ( Encrypt entire drive ).

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Note, if you choose the second method, the encryption process will take a long time (if the drive is large). Make sure your computer uses a UPS in case of a power failure (UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS is a device that can provide power for a period of time corresponding to the design capacity to maintain Operation of electrical equipment is not interrupted when the power grid goes down).

If your computer is using Windows 10 November Update . In Windows 10 November Update has a more secure encryption mode called XTS-AES . If it's a fixed drive, you can choose this way to encrypt it.

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When ready to encrypt, click Continue .

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Restart your computer when notified.

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Enter password. Note that this is the password you created earlier.

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After logging into Windows 10 , you will see nothing else.

To check the status of encryption, click Start => File Explorer => My Computer. You should now see a lock icon on the system drive. Right-click the drive, then select Manage BitLocker.

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You will see the current status is C: BitLocker Encrypting . The encryption process will take some time, so you can continue using the computer during the encryption process. After completing the encryption process, you will receive a notification.

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After the encryption process is finished, you can use your computer normally. Any content you create, or add to your contact information, will be secure.

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If at any time you want to stop encryption, you can access the BitLocker Encryption Control Panel . Click on the Suspend link. The generated data will not be encrypted after you stop encrypting.

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Tip: Turn off BitLocker Encryption when upgrading Windows, adjusting computer firmware or changing hardware.

Explore more:

1. Instructions for fixing Windows 10 errors do not turn off on computers and laptops

2. 4 ways to make Windows 10 boot faster

3. Ways to turn off your computer on Windows 10

Good luck!