Full Disk Encryption on Windows

Secure your drives with built-in tools for better data protection

Posted by Hüseyin Sekmenoğlu on June 01, 2025 DevSecOps

🔐 Introduction to Device Encryption

Full disk encryption ensures your data stays safe even if your device is lost or stolen. Windows provides two major encryption tools: Device Encryption and BitLocker Drive Encryption. Each serves different user needs and hardware capabilities.

💻 What Is Device Encryption?

Device Encryption is a built-in Windows feature that automatically encrypts your system and fixed drives when you sign in with a Microsoft account or a work or school account. It offers a seamless setup process and is especially useful for casual users who prefer not to deal with manual encryption steps.

Unlike BitLocker, Device Encryption is available on more Windows editions, including Windows Home. However, it does not turn on automatically for local accounts.

🧩 Enabling Device Encryption

If Device Encryption is not already enabled, here is how to turn it on:

  1. Sign in with an administrator account

  2. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption
    Or use this shortcut: ms-settings:deviceencryption

  3. Use the toggle to turn Device Encryption on

Once enabled, a recovery key is stored in your Microsoft or organization account. You can use this key to regain access if you forget your password or your device fails.

🔒 What Is BitLocker Drive Encryption?

BitLocker Drive Encryption is a more advanced tool, designed for Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. It allows users to manually encrypt any drive, including internal system drives and external USBs.

Organizations often enforce BitLocker through IT policies to ensure compliance and security across managed devices.

🧭 How to Access BitLocker

To access and manage BitLocker:

  1. Sign in with an administrator account

  2. Search for BitLocker in the Start menu

  3. Select Manage BitLocker

You will see a list of drives categorized as:

  • Operating system drive (where Windows is installed)

  • Fixed data drives (e.g. internal hard drives)

  • Removable drives (e.g. USB flash drives, BitLocker To Go)

⚙️ How to Encrypt a Drive Manually

To encrypt a specific drive:

  1. Go to the BitLocker Drive Encryption panel

  2. Find the drive and click Turn on BitLocker

  3. Choose an unlock method (password or smart card)

  4. Save the recovery key

  5. Let the encryption process complete

📝 You can continue to use your device while the encryption runs in the background.

🔐 BitLocker is not available on Windows Home editions. If you do not see "Manage BitLocker" in your system, your Windows version may not support it.