BitLocker is a built-in Microsoft feature that ensures data security through full-volume encryption, protecting corporate data on lost, stolen, or decommissioned devices. Using the AES encryption algorithm with a 128-bit or 256-bit key, BitLocker secures device drives from unauthorized access, even when offline. While MDM solutions protect devices online, BitLocker safeguards data offline, ensuring comprehensive security.
This blog serves as a step-by-step guide to help you understand the various methods to turn on BitLocker on Windows devices.
Why You Should Enable BitLocker on Windows 10 &11 Devices
BitLocker is a built-in encryption tool in Windows that provides robust data protection for personal and business users. By enabling BitLocker on Windows, you can secure your sensitive data, prevent unauthorized access, and comply with industry regulations. Below are the key reasons why enabling BitLocker encryption on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is essential for data security.
1. Protects Against Data Theft
Laptops, desktops, and external drives are highly vulnerable to theft, making data security a top priority. When you turn on BitLocker on Windows, the entire drive is encrypted, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot access files—even if they attempt to remove the hard drive and connect it to another system.
2. Enhances Security for Businesses
For organizations handling sensitive business data, BitLocker drive encryption adds an extra layer of protection. It prevents unauthorized access to customer records, financial data, and confidential files, helping businesses maintain data integrity and security across all devices.
3. Prevents Unauthorized Access
BitLocker encryption on Windows 10 and Windows 11 uses a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip, PIN, or password to secure encrypted drives. Even if someone gains physical access to the device, they won’t be able to access stored data without the correct decryption key.
4. Ensures Compliance with Data Protection Laws
Many industries, including healthcare, finance, and legal services, require encryption to comply with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS regulations. By turning on BitLocker encryption, businesses can meet these legal requirements, avoid penalties, and strengthen their data protection strategies.
5. Protects Data from Malware and Ransomware
BitLocker drive encryption helps prevent unauthorized modifications to system files, reducing the risk of malware, ransomware, and cyberattacks. If hackers attempt to alter boot files or inject malicious software, BitLocker detects these changes and blocks unauthorized access.
6. Secures External Drives with BitLocker To Go
BitLocker isn’t just for internal storage—it also supports BitLocker To Go, allowing you to encrypt USB drives, external hard drives, and portable storage devices. This ensures that sensitive files remain protected, even if removable storage is lost or stolen.
What Requirements are Needed to Enable BitLocker on Windows Devices?
BitLocker works in sync with computers that have TPM (Trusted Platform Module) technology of version 1.2 or later. It can also be enabled on computers that do not have TPM 1.2 or later, but the enablement process will have to be initiated by inserting a USB startup key to start the computer or resume from hibernation.
Not all computers or encrypted drives are compatible with BitLocker. Currently, Windows supports BitLocker on the following operating systems:
- Windows Vista and Windows 7: Ultimate and Enterprise editions (Requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 1.2 or higher, which must be installed, enabled, and activated).
- Windows 8 and 8.1: Pro and Enterprise editions.
- Windows 10: Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
- Windows Server: Versions 2008 and later.
Ways to Enable BitLocker on Windows Devices?
BitLocker is a powerful encryption feature in Windows that secures data by encrypting drives and preventing unauthorized access. Enabling BitLocker can vary depending on your device and operating system. Here are the different methods to set up BitLocker on Windows:
Method 1: Enable BitLocker via Control Panel
Step 1: Open the Control Panel and navigate to “System and Security.”
Step 2: Click on “BitLocker Drive Encryption.”
Step 3: Select the drive you wish to encrypt and click “Turn on BitLocker.”
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to set a password or use a smart card to unlock the drive.
Step 5: Save the recovery key in a secure location and begin the encryption process.
Method 2: Enable BitLocker via Settings (Windows 10 and Later)
Step 1: Go to “Settings” and select “Update & Security.”
Step 2: Search for ‘Manage Bitlocker’
Step 3: Click “Turn on” to enable BitLocker.
Note: For some editions, you may need to upgrade to a version that supports BitLocker, such as Windows 10 Pro.
Method 3. Enable BitLocker via Command Prompt
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Step 2: Use the following command to enable BitLocker on a specific drive:
manage-bde -on <DriveLetter>:
Step 3: Follow the prompts to configure the encryption settings, such as choosing a recovery key method.
Method 4: Enable BitLocker via Group Policy
Step 1: Open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
Step 2: Navigate to “Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption.”
Step 3: Configure the relevant policies, such as enabling BitLocker for fixed data drives, operating system drives, or removable drives.
Step 4: Apply the changes and proceed to activate BitLocker via the Control Panel or Command Prompt.
Method 5. Enable BitLocker on the Windows Server
Step 1: Open the Server Manager dashboard.
Step 2: Use the “Add Roles and Features Wizard” to add the “BitLocker Drive Encryption” feature.
Step 3: Restart the server if prompted.
Step 4: After installation, use the Control Panel or Command Prompt to enable BitLocker on the desired drives.
Method 6. Enable BitLocker for Removable Drives
Step 1: Connect the removable drive to your system.
Step 2: Open “This PC,” right-click the removable drive, and select “Turn on BitLocker.”
Step 3: Choose an unlocking method (password or smart card) and follow the instructions to encrypt the drive.
| Note: While these methods provide various ways to enable BitLocker, managing encryption across multiple devices can become time-consuming and fragmented. A more efficient and unified approach is to turn on BitLocker using a Windows MDM solution streamlining the process from a single platform. |
How to Enable BitLocker on Windows Devices using Scalefusion MDM?
Scalefusion MDM allows you to configure the different BitLocker Encryption settings from a single panel and enables you to push to multiple devices from one centralized dashboard. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Sign in to the Scalefusion dashboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Device Profiles and Policies’ section on the dashboard.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Device Profiles’ tab. Now, select or create a new device profile for Windows. In case of an existing Windows profile, click on the ‘Edit’ button.
Step 4: Now click on the ‘Settings’ tab on the panel to your left. Go to ‘Security Settings’. Toggle on ‘Prompt for Device Encryption’ to turn on BitLocker.
Step 5: Configure various BitLocker settings according to your requirements:
a. Base settings: Choose the encryption agent and method and the settings for Azure AD joined devices.
b. Startup authentication settings: For computers without TPM, toggle on the ‘allow BitLocker on PCs without a Trusted Platform Module(TPM)’ option. Set the authentication method and minimum length of the PIN for startup.
c. Recovery options or system drives: Set the policies for recovery, set the recovery key, and configure the preboot recovery message. You can check the entire list of settings available here.
d. Recovery options for fixed drives: These options are similar to the system drives but these are set for non-system drive partitions.
e. Write access settings: Disable the write access to the drives until they are encrypted, preventing any malware from reading/accessing the data on your drives.
f. Scalefusion MDM Agent-based settings: Configure these settings if you have enabled BitLocker through the Scalefusion MDM Agent.
Step 6: Once you have completely configured the BitLocker, click on the ‘Update Profile’ button on the top-right of the screen.
Step 7: You will be redirected to the ‘Device Profiles’ page. Click on ‘Apply’ to push the device profile to various device groups, user groups, and individual devices.
This enables BitLocker encryption on managed Windows devices and servers.
How to Disable BitLocker on Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve encrypted your Windows computer and now want to disable BitLocker on Windows, follow these easy steps:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, then type “Control Panel” and press Enter.
- In the Control Panel, navigate to System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
- Select the drive where you want to disable BitLocker encryption.
- Click the Turn off BitLocker option.
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FAQ’s
1. Is BitLocker safe for Windows 10?
Yes, BitLocker is generally considered safe for Windows 10. It provides encryption for your data, safeguarding it against unauthorized access. However, like any security measure, it’s essential to use strong passwords and keep your system updated to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
2. What is the Main Purpose of Enabling BitLocker Encryption on Windows?
BitLocker encryption primarily aims to enhance data security by encrypting entire drives and safeguarding them from unauthorized access. It protects sensitive information on computers and removable drives, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity, particularly useful for businesses and individuals concerned about data privacy and security.
3. How do I Disable BitLocker on Windows Permanently?
To disable BitLocker on Windows permanently, go to Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption, select the drive, and click “Turn off BitLocker.” This will decrypt your drive and remove encryption. Once disabled, BitLocker cannot protect your data unless re-enabled.
4. How do I check if BitLocker is Enabled on My Computer?
To check if BitLocker is enabled, go to Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption and look for the status of each drive. If it says “BitLocker on”, encryption is active. You can also check by opening File Explorer, right-clicking the drive, and selecting Properties.
5. Does Enabling BitLocker Slow Down My PC?
No, enabling BitLocker drive encryption has minimal impact on system performance. Modern CPUs with hardware acceleration for encryption ensure smooth operation. However, initial encryption may take time, depending on drive size and speed.
