BitLocker / Enable encryption on my USB drive

Objective

  • To provide instruction on enabling BitLocker encryption on a USB drive

Environment

  • 199772: BitLocker Drive Encryption
  • University-owned Computer
  • Windows

Cause

  • There could be potentially sensitive data on your removable drive

Resolution

  1. Click on the Start button and begin typing BitLocker.
  2. Select Manage BitLocker from the results
  3. If necessary, insert the USB you wish to encrypt
  4. In the Removable data drives area, select the drive you want to encrypt
  5. Click Turn on BitLocker
  6. Enter your password and click Next
    • You will enter this password when you want to view the files on this USB drive from any computer
  7. Select Whole Disk Encryption and click Next
    • This will only apply to Windows 8 and later versions
  8. If prompted to select an encryption mode, select Compatible and click Next
    • This only applies to Windows 10 clients
  9. Click Start Encryption