How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8

Microsoft provides users with a BitLocker encryption tool to ensure user data is protected at the highest level. If you have some important data to store in your computer hard drive or USB flash drive, you can use the BitLocker encryption tool.

Microsoft provides users with a BitLocker encryption tool to ensure user data is protected at the highest level. If you have some important data to store in your computer hard drive or USB flash drive, you can use the BitLocker encryption tool.

In the article below, Network Administrator will show you how to enable BitLocker on Windows 8.

Steps to enable BitLocker on Windows 8:

Note: In this tutorial, enable BitLocker for C drive

Step 1:

Open Control Panel.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 1How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 1

Step 2:

On the Control Panel interface, click System and Security.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 2How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 2

Step 3:

Select the BitLocker Drive Encryption option in the list of right frame options.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 3How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 3

Step 4:

Select Turn on BitLocker next to the C drive.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 4How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 4

If the error message dialog box appears, as shown below, it means that you cannot open BitLocker.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 5How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 5

To fix this error, refer to the steps below:

1. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run command window.

2. On the Run command window, type the following command and then click OK to open Local Group Policy Editor:

gpedit.msc

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 6How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 6

3. In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path to find and double-click the Require additional authentication at startup option:

Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Bit Locker Drive Encryption / Operating System Drives / Require additional authentication at startup

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 7How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 7

4 On the Require additional authentication at startup window , in the left pane, select Enable.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 8How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 8

Now the Allow BitLocker option without a compatible TPM is automatically selected.

Next, click OK to save the changes and close Local Group Policy Editor.

5. Click Turn on BitLocker again and wait for BitLocker to check your computer configuration.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 9How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 9

6. On the next interface, click Next.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 10How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 10

7. Next select Next .

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 11How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 11

8. Wait for the program to prepare BitLocker for the drive.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 12How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 12

9. Click Restart now to finish the process of preparing the system drive encryption.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 13How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 13

10. After starting, click Next to encrypt the drive.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 14How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 14

Step 5:

Select Enter a password or Insert a USB flash drive to unlock the drive.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 15How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 15

1. If you select Insert a USB flash drive , you must insert a USB drive into the computer, then select the USB drive and click Save.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 16How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 16

2. If you select Enter a password , enter the 8-character password or more in the Enter your password box, then re-enter the password in the Reenter your password box and then click Next to continue.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 17How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 17

Step 6:

Select one of the options Save to your Microsoft account, Save to a flash drive USB, Save to a file and Print the recovery key to save Recovery key. After selecting, click Next .

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 18How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 18

Step 7:

Select Encrypt used disk space only or Encrypt entire drive, then click Next.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 19How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 19

Step 8:

Select Continue to encrypt the drive.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 20How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 20

Step 9:

Select Restart now to restart your computer.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 21How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 21

From now on you will be asked to enter the password to unlock the encrypted system drive.

How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 22How to use BitLocker to encrypt data on Windows 8 Picture 22

Refer to some of the following articles:

  1. Instructions for encrypting USB or memory cards with Bitlocker on Windows 10
  1. How to use Bitlocker to encrypt data on Windows 10 (Part 1)
  1. How to use Bitlocker to encrypt data on Windows 10 (The last part)

Good luck!

4 ★ | 2 Vote