Getting started with BitLocker, Windows 10’s built-in full disk encryption tool

How to enable BitLocker for a drive

Applies to All Windows 10 Versions

BitLocker is the name given to the full disk encryption software that’s built into Windows. First introduced with Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, BitLocker is now available with the Pro editions of Windows 8 and Windows 10.

Encryption is a complex topic which isn’t always well understood. BitLocker aims to provide a streamlined encryption experience for your Windows 10 PC, so you can benefit from the advantages even if you’re unsure how encryption actually works.

BitLocker works by encrypting entire drives. That means you can only apply it to top-level storage containers on your PC, such as your hard drives, SSDs and removable USB flash drives. If you’re looking for granular encryption of individual files and folders, you’ll need to look elsewhere or use Windows’ folder-level password protection abilities (but remember that password protection is not the same as encryption)!

Benefits of BitLocker

BitLocker is an encryption technology that is now mature and fairly well-regarded, although not without its issues. Arguably, it’s distinguished by its simplicity and…