Encrypt your disk with BitLocker and save the key

Protect your data if the computer is stolen, without losing access if something goes wrong.

1. On Windows 11 Pro and above, open "Manage BitLocker" from search. On the Home edition, turn on "Device encryption" in Settings → Privacy & security.
2. Click "Turn on BitLocker" for the system drive and choose how to back up the recovery key.
3. Save the key in at least two places: your Microsoft account, a file on a USB drive, and a printout kept somewhere safe.
4. Check the encryption status:

   manage-bde -status

   Copy
5. Choose "Encrypt entire drive" for a disk that has already been used.