Windows Bit-Locker

Turn on device encryption

• Applies to: Windows 10

Encryption helps protect the data on your device so it can only be accessed by people who have authorization. If device 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, see Create a local or administrator account in Windows 10.

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn't appear, it isn't available. You may be able to use standard BitLocker encryption instead. [ms-settings:deviceencryption?activationSource=SMC-IA-4028713Open Device encryption setting].

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, see Create a local or administrator account in Windows 10.

In the search box on the taskbar, type Manage BitLocker and then select it from the list of results. Or you can select the Start button, 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. It isn'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 10.