Turn on device encryption – Microsoft Support

Encryptionhelps protect the data on your device so itcan only be accessed by people whohave authorization. Ifdevice encryption isn't available on your device, you might be able to turn on standard BitLocker encryption instead.

Turn on device encryption

Sign in to Windows with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.

Select Start > Settings > Privacy& security > Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn't appear, it isn't available. You may be able to use standard BitLocker encryption instead.Open Device encryption in Settings.

If Device encryption is turned off, turn it On.

Turn on standard BitLocker encryption

Sign in to your Windows device with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.

In the search box on the taskbar, type Manage BitLocker and then select it from the list of results. Or,select Start > Settings > Privacy& security > Device encryption >BitLocker drive encryption.

Note:You'll only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. Itisn't available on Windows 11Home edition.

Select Turn on BitLocker and then follow the instructions.

Want to learn more and find out if your device supports device encryption? See Device encryption in Windows.

Encryptionhelps protect the data on your device so itcan only be accessed by people whohave authorization. Ifdevice encryption isn't available on your device, you might be able to turn on standard BitLocker encryption instead. (Note that BitLocker isn't available on Windows 10 Home edition.)

Turn on device encryption

Sign in to Windows with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.

Select theStart button, then selectSettings > Update & Security> Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn't appear, it isn't available. You may be able to use standard BitLocker encryption instead.Open Device encryption in Settings.

If device encryption is turned off, select Turn on.

Turn on standard BitLocker encryption

Sign in to your Windows device with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, seeCreate a local or administrator account in Windows.

In the search box on the taskbar, type Manage BitLocker and then select it from the list of results. Or,select theStartbutton, and then under Windows System, select Control Panel. In Control Panel, select System and Security, and then under BitLocker Drive Encryption, select Manage BitLocker.

Note:You'll only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. Itisn't available on Windows 10 Home edition.

Select Turn on BitLocker and then follow the instructions.

Want to learn more and find out if your device supports device encryption? See Device encryption in Windows.

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Turn on device encryption - Microsoft Support