Encryptionhelps protect the data on your device so itcan only be accessed by people whohave authorization. Ifdevice encryption isn't available on your device, you might be able to turn on standard BitLocker encryption instead.
Turn on device encryption
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Sign in to Windows with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.
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Select Start > Settings > Privacy& security > Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn't appear, it isn't available. You may be able to use standard BitLocker encryption instead.Open Device encryption in Settings.
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If Device encryption is turned off, turn it On.
Turn on standard BitLocker encryption
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Sign in to your Windows device with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.
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In the search box on the taskbar, type Manage BitLocker and then select it from the list of results. Or,select Start > Settings > Privacy& security > Device encryption >BitLocker drive encryption.
See AlsoHow to enable TLS 1.2 in various versions of WindowsManage Transport Layer Security (TLS) in WindowsWhy does cipher /w fill up temporary files instead of writing to the raw disk?Remove a password from a documentNote:You'll only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. Itisn't available on Windows 11Home edition.
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Select Turn on BitLocker and then follow the instructions.
Want to learn more and find out if your device supports device encryption? See Device encryption in Windows.
Encryptionhelps protect the data on your device so itcan only be accessed by people whohave authorization. Ifdevice encryption isn't available on your device, you might be able to turn on standard BitLocker encryption instead. (Note that BitLocker isn't available on Windows 10 Home edition.)
Turn on device encryption
-
Sign in to Windows with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.
-
Select theStart button, then selectSettings > Update & Security> Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn't appear, it isn't available. You may be able to use standard BitLocker encryption instead.Open Device encryption in Settings.
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If device encryption is turned off, select Turn on.
See Alsodel
Turn on standard BitLocker encryption
-
Sign in to your Windows device with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.
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In the search box on the taskbar, type Manage BitLocker and then select it from the list of results. Or,select theStartbutton, and then under Windows System, select Control Panel. In Control Panel, select System and Security, and then under BitLocker Drive Encryption, select Manage BitLocker.
Note:You'll only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. Itisn't available on Windows 10 Home edition.
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Select Turn on BitLocker and then follow the instructions.
Want to learn more and find out if your device supports device encryption? See Device encryption in Windows.
As an expert in cybersecurity and encryption, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in ensuring the security of digital information. Throughout my career, I've actively engaged in implementing encryption protocols and advising on best practices to safeguard sensitive data. My expertise extends to various encryption methods, including BitLocker, which is a crucial tool for protecting data on Windows devices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Encryption:
- Encryption is a process of converting data into a secure format using an algorithm, making it unreadable without the appropriate decryption key.
- The primary purpose of encryption is to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or interception.
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Device Encryption:
- Device encryption is a security feature that protects the data stored on a device by encrypting it.
- In the context of Windows, enabling device encryption ensures that the data on the device can only be accessed by authorized users.
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BitLocker:
- BitLocker is a full-disk encryption feature included in some editions of Microsoft Windows (not available in Windows 10 Home edition).
- It provides enhanced security by encrypting the entire disk and requires authentication to access the data.
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Windows Account and Administrator Account:
- An administrator account in Windows has elevated privileges, allowing the user to make significant changes to the system, such as installing software or modifying system settings.
- Switching to an administrator account is necessary for enabling encryption features.
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Enabling Device Encryption on Windows:
- Access the device settings through the Start menu or Settings, navigate to Privacy & Security, and select Device encryption.
- If device encryption is unavailable, users can consider turning on standard BitLocker encryption as an alternative.
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Enabling BitLocker on Windows:
- To enable BitLocker, sign in with an administrator account, search for "Manage BitLocker" in the taskbar, or access it through Settings > Privacy & Security > Device encryption > BitLocker drive encryption.
- BitLocker can be turned on, and users should follow the provided instructions to complete the process.
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Checking Device Encryption Support:
- Users can verify if their device supports device encryption by checking the settings. If it's not available, standard BitLocker encryption might be an alternative.
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Windows 10 Home Edition Limitation:
- BitLocker is not available in Windows 10 Home edition, emphasizing the importance of choosing an appropriate Windows version based on security requirements.
By understanding and implementing these concepts, users can significantly enhance the security of their Windows devices through effective encryption practices. If you have further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to reach out.
