How to configure BitLocker encryption on Windows 11
You can use BitLocker encryption for extra data security. Here’s how to enable the feature on Windows 11.
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OnWindows 11, BitLocker adds an extra layer of security with encryption to protect your device and files from unauthorized access. When using encryption, the feature scrambles the data on the drive to make it unreadable for anyone without the correct decryption key (your account password).
The BitLocker security feature is available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. However, on Windows 11 Home, you can use “device encryption,” a limited version of BitLocker. It works identically to the full version but without many advanced management settings and capabilities, such as “BitLocker To Go.” Also, when using device encryption, all the drives will encrypt automatically, while the full version of BitLocker allows you to choose the storage using encryption.
Thisguidewill walk you through the steps to set up device encryption with BitLocker on your computer.
How to set up BitLocker on Windows 11 Pro
To configure BitLocker in the Pro edition of Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the system will begin encrypting the data on the drive.
While in the “BitLocker Drive Encryption,” it is also possible to encrypt other drives, such as secondary storage, external USB hard drives, and removable data drives, using “BitLocker To Go.”
Remove BitLocker encryption
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If you need to remove the system encryption, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the decryption process will take a while, depending on how large the drive is and your data.
How to set up BitLocker on Windows 11 Home
To configure BitLocker in the Home edition of Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, BitLocker will turn on the system to encrypt the files on the drive.
This version of BitLocker is only available on some devices. If you don’t find the option, the device most likely doesn’t support encryption. You would typically see this feature on devices likeMicrosoft Surface devicesand those from other brands like HP, Lenovo, Dell, etc.
Remove BitLocker encryption
To decrypt a device using BitLocker, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the decryption process will begin on the device.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
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A refreshed design in Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly and safely, with biometric logins for encrypted authentication and advanced antivirus defenses.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
