This article will guide you on how to use the BitLocker To Go function to encrypt mobile storage devices, such as USB flash drives, SD cards, TF cards or mobile hard drives, in Windows 11 or Windows 10 systems, thereby effectively protecting data security.
BitLocker To Go is a security feature in Windows systems that can encrypt "removable storage devices" to protect data security.
BitLocker To Go functionality is independent of operating system version. For example, if you use BitLocker to encrypt a USB flash drive in Windows 11, the encrypted USB flash drive can also be used normally on Windows 10, and vice versa. Whether unlocked using a password or recovery key, newly added content is automatically encrypted.
characteristic | BitLocker | BitLocker To Go |
---|---|---|
Applicable scene | Internal disk | Mobile storage device |
Modify boot sector | yes | no |
Operating mode | continued | On demand |
In Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can encrypt a USB drive using BitLocker To Go by following these steps:
1Use theWindows E
shortcut key to open "File Explorer".
2 Find the USB flash drive in "This PC", right-click and select "Enable BitLocker".
Enable BitLocker
There are 3 unlocking methods to choose from: using "password" or "smart card". For ordinary users, smart cards are not common, so we use passwords as an example. Please set a strong password, making sure it contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and click "Next."
Set BitLocker to Go unlock password
4BitLocker will prompt you to choose how to save the "Recovery Key". It is recommended to select all options to ensure the security of your keys:
Save BitLocker Recovery Key
5Next, select the encryption range according to your actual situation. If the USB flash drive is new or has no data, it is recommended to select "Encrypt used disk space only"; otherwise, it is recommended to select "Encrypt entire drive".
Select encryption range
6Select encryption mode. If you only use the USB flash drive on Windows 10 1511 or newer, select "New Encryption Mode" (XTS-AES); if you need to use it on an older version of Windows, select "Compatibility Mode".
Select encryption mode
7Click "Start Encryption" and wait for the process to complete. After encryption, a small lock will be displayed on the USB flash drive icon to indicate that it has been encrypted.
Click to start encryption
Encrypted small lock icon
1 Insert the USB flash drive into the computer and use theWindows E
shortcut key to open the "File Explorer".
2 Find the USB flash drive in "This PC", right-click and select "Unlock Drive".
Select Unlock Drive
3 Enter your password or recovery key in the pop-up window.
4 (Optional) You can check "Automatically unlock on this computer" to avoid having to verify your password every time.
Unlock BitLocker to Go encrypted drive
5 Click "Unlock" to access the drive contents.
The above is the detailed content of BitLocker To Go User Guide: Easily Encrypt Mobile Storage Devices. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!