Encrypt USB Drives in Windows 11 with BitLocker

This post shows students and new users how to use BitLocker to encrypt external, removable USB thumb drives with passwords in Windows 11 to protect and secure sensitive data.

You might want to use a secure thumb drive when you have sensitive information to share. Securing a USB thumb drive in Windows 11 is easy with BitLocker To Go; the steps below show you how to do it.

Windows uses BitLocker drive encryption to encrypt hard disk drives to protect data in case it is lost or stolen. BitLocker helps protect data on your device so only authorized users can access it. Access will be denied if someone tries to access your BitLocker-enabled device without authentication.

Encrypting thumb drives in Windows 11 works similarly to that in Windows 10. However, an improved System settings pane makes locating the drive and storage feature challenging for new users.

To get started with encrypting and securing thumb drives in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to password-protect USB flash drives in Windows 11

Windows uses BitLocker to encrypt drives. It’s simple and secure. Use the steps below to encrypt and password-protect the USB disk drive.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click System, and select Storage on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

On the Storage settings pane, select Advanced storage settings to expand.

Then select Disks & volumes as highlighted below.

On the Disks & Volumes settings pane, select the external drive you want to encrypt and password-protect on the list. Then, expand it using the drop-down arrow. Then select Properties.

Click the link on the disk properties pane to turn on BitLocker, as highlighted below.

A new pane will open up. Under Removable data drive – BitLocker To Go, click the link to Turn on BitLocker.

When prompted, type in and confirm a password you want to use to open the drive. Without this unique password, the drive can not be opened and accessed.

You’ll also be prompted to save the BitLocker recovery key to restore your data when you don’t remember the password.

Next, select the option that works in your environment and click Next.

Next, choose the encryption mode that works for you, then click Start Encrypting to begin the process.

The encryption process should start. After a while, depending on your computer’s speed and the disk’s size, you should have a fully encrypted removable drive.

Wait until you see a message that the drive encryption is complete.

When you want to use the drive, insert it into any Windows computer, and you’ll be prompted that the drive is encrypted and that to access it, you will need a password.

Open the disk and type in the correct password to unlock it.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• BitLocker To Go provides a secure way to encrypt and protect sensitive data on USB thumb drives in Windows 11.
• Following the outlined steps ensures that only authorized users can access the encrypted drive.
• Remember to keep the BitLocker recovery key in a safe place to avoid data loss.
• The encryption process may take some time, but it enhances the security of your data significantly.
• Always use strong passwords for better protection against unauthorized access.

By employing these practices, you can safeguard your important information on portable drives effectively.