what is bitlocker drive encryption service

Usually, you should use this option when upgrading to a new version of Windows 10, firmware, or hardware. Suspend protection: This option will stop protecting your files.Once the drive encryption is enabled, several options will become available, including: Depending on the option you selected and the drive size, this process can take a long time, but you can continue to work on the computer.Īfter the encryption process, the drive will include a lock icon, and the label will read 'BitLocker on.' Quick note: The TPM version must be version 1.2 or later to support BitLocker.Īfter you complete the steps, the device will restart, BitLocker will enable, and you will not be prompted to enter a decryption password to continue starting Windows 10.Īlthough the device will boot quite fast, on Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption, you will notice that BitLocker will still be encrypting the drive. Confirm the item that reads 'Trusted Platform Module' with the version number.

Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.To check if a computer has TPM on Windows 10, use these steps: How to check if device has TPM support to use BitLocker Before proceeding with this guide, you should create a complete computer backup. Keep the computer connected with an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) throughout the process.Īlthough BitLocker does a good job securing your data, any system change carries risks.The encryption process is not complicated, but it can take a lot of time, depending on the drive's amount of data and size.Also, the hard drive partitions must be formatted with the NTFS file system. If the device does not meet the requirements, BitLocker will create them automatically. The computer's hard drive must have two partitions, including a system partition with the necessary files to start the system and a partition with the Windows 10 installation.If the feature isn't available, check the computer manufacturer for the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) update. Computer firmware must support TPM or USB devices during startup.

BitLocker is available without TPM using software-based encryption, but it requires some extra steps for additional authentication.

This is a special chip that enables the device to support advanced security features.

A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip is needed for the best result.

Windows 10 Home edition has its version of BitLocker on select devices.

BitLocker Drive Encryption is available on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise.

What is bitlocker drive encryption service