BitLocker: how to encrypt a drive in Windows 11 and 10 Pro

BitLocker protects your files if a laptop is lost or stolen.

Where you get it

Pro, Enterprise and Education. Home has a simpler device encryption on some PCs.

How to turn it on

1. Search for “Manage BitLocker” in Start.
2. Click Turn on BitLocker.
3. Save the recovery key.
4. Choose to encrypt the used space or the entire drive.
5. Restart and wait for it to finish.

The recovery key: do not skip this

Without it you may lose access to your data. Keep it in your account or on paper, not on the same drive.

Flash drives

BitLocker To Go encrypts USB drives with a password.

Does it slow the PC?

Rarely noticeable on SSDs.