What is BitLocker? How to Use BitLocker to Encrypt Data

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Content

1. What is BitLocker?

2. How to use BitLocker to encrypt data

a) Encrypting the system drive

b) Encrypting other drives (not the system drive)

3. How to disable BitLocker

1. Regaining Access Using Recovery Key

BitLocker is a data security tool integrated by Microsoft into Windows versions from Vista onwards. However, many individual Windows users still lack clarity and interest in this feature. So, what exactly is BitLocker? Should you use it? And how do you use it? Please see the following content to understand more.

In this article, I will introduce and guide you through the following issues:

- What is BitLocker?

Using BitLocker to Encrypt Data

Turning Off BitLocker

Restoring Access with Recovery Key

1. What is BitLocker?

BitLocker serves as an encryption mechanism to safeguard information and thwart unauthorized access. Post BitLocker encryption, users can seamlessly utilize encrypted data. BitLocker security surpasses simplistic password usage. With BitLocker, users can encrypt data on computer hard drives or external storage devices like USBs.

Presently, this tool comes pre-integrated within Microsoft operating systems:

- Windows Vista and Windows 7 (Enterprise, Ultimate editions)

- Windows 8 (Pro, Enterprise editions)

- Windows 8.1 (Pro, Enterprise editions)

- Windows 10 (Pro, Enterprise, Education editions)

This feature requires the system to utilize Trusted Platform Module 1.2 security chip (however, you can still activate BitLocker on computers lacking TPM chip following the instructions from Mytour).

2. How to use BitLocker to encrypt data

Encrypting the system drive (where Windows is installed) involves a slightly different process compared to other drives at the outset.

a) Encrypting the system drive

Step 1: Right-click on the system drive (usually drive C) and select Turn on BitLocker.

Wait for the system check process to complete. If your computer lacks a TPM chip, an error message will appear. Follow the instructions as outlined at the end of part 1.

Step 2: Choose a backup method for recovery key (to regain access in case you forget the password). Here, I select Save to a file (save to a .txt file).

Select a folder to save this file (cannot be saved on the drive being encrypted).

Then press Next to continue.

Step 3: Choose the encryption scope: only used space (fast, suitable for new computers or drives) or the entire drive (takes longer but suitable for computers or drives in use).

Step 4: Select encryption mode: New mode (suitable if the hard drive is permanently fixed in this computer) or Compatible mode (if you intend to transfer the hard drive to another machine).

* New mode is safer but only supported on Windows 10 version 1511 and later. Older versions of Windows will not be able to decrypt drive data if you choose to encrypt in new mode.

Step 5: Check the box Run BitLocker system check, then press Continue.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

After restarting, you will see the system drive with an icon of a lock.

b) Encrypting other drives (not the system drive)

Step 1: Right-click on that drive and select Turn on BitLocker.

Step 2: Choose how to unlock: use a password, smart card, or automatically unlock on this computer. In the example below, I choose to use a password.

Enter the password you desire (twice) and then press Next.

The following steps will be similar to part a) Encrypting the system drive. You can review and proceed on your own.

In addition to the internal hard drive, BitLocker can also encrypt USB drives if you wish.

3. How to disable BitLocker

If you believe you can still secure your data without relying on BitLocker, you may disable this feature to enhance system performance. In practice, enabling BitLocker can lead to slower read/write speeds on the drive.

Step 1: Right-click on the drive where BitLocker is enabled, then choose Manage BitLocker.

Step 2: Click on Turn off BitLocker.

A confirmation prompt will appear, select Turn off BitLocker again.

1. Regaining Access Using Recovery Key

In the event you need to unlock a drive encrypted with BitLocker but have forgotten the password, locate the Recovery Key you previously saved. If it's saved as a file, open the file and copy the code snippet from the Recovery Key line.

To unlock the BitLocker-locked drive, select More Options > Enter recovery key.

Paste the copied Recovery Key code and then press Unlock.

After reading this article, you now understand what BitLocker is, how to encrypt data with BitLocker, how to turn off BitLocker, and how to recover access when you forget the password. Hopefully, this information will be helpful to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I follow to enable BitLocker encryption on my Windows system?

To enable BitLocker encryption, right-click the system drive (usually C:) and select 'Turn on BitLocker.' Choose a recovery key backup method, set your encryption scope and mode, run a system check, and restart your computer to complete the setup.

Is it possible to disable BitLocker if I no longer need it for my data security?

Yes, you can disable BitLocker by right-clicking on the encrypted drive, selecting 'Manage BitLocker,' and then clicking 'Turn off BitLocker.' Confirm the action to enhance system performance and regain full access to the drive.

How can I recover access to my BitLocker-encrypted drive if I forget my password?

If you forget your BitLocker password, you can recover access using your saved Recovery Key. Open the file containing the Recovery Key, copy the code, select 'More Options,' and paste the key to unlock your drive.

What is the difference between encrypting the system drive and other drives with BitLocker?

Encrypting the system drive involves specific steps like running a system check and requires a restart. In contrast, encrypting other drives allows for flexible unlocking options such as password or smart card and doesn't require a restart.

Does my computer need a TPM chip to use BitLocker effectively?

No, while a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip enhances BitLocker's security features, you can still enable BitLocker on computers without a TPM by following specific instructions for configuration.

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