How to Enable BitLocker Encryption on Data Volumes

To enable BitLocker on a data volume, follow these steps:

1. Perform a full backup of the computer. Then, run a check of the integrity of the BitLocker partition using ChkDsk.
2. In Windows Explorer, right-click the drive you want to protect, and then click Turn On BitLocker.
3. On the Choose How You Want To Unlock This Drive page, select one or more protection methods:
   • Use A Password To Unlock This Drive. Users will be prompted to type a password before they can access the contents of the drive.
   • Use My Smart Card To Unlock The Drive. Users will be prompted to insert a smart card before they can access the contents of the drive. You can use this option with removable drives; however, you will not be able to access the drive using Windows Vista or Windows XP because smart cards cannot be used with the BitLocker To Go Reader.
   • Automatically Unlock This Drive On This Computer. Windows will automatically unlock non-removable data drives without prompting the user. Selecting this option requires that the system volume be protected by BitLocker. If you move the drive to a different computer, you will be prompted for credentials.
4. On the How Do You Want To Store Your Recovery Key page, choose the method to save the recovery key. Click Next.
5. On the Are You Ready To Encrypt This Drive page, click Start Encrypting.