Once the encryption is done, you will see “Encryption of X is complete” message. You can use your PC and continue during this process. This might take a few minutes to hours depending on what you have chosen in Step 5. Step 7: Click Start encrypting button to begin encrypting your drive. You can choose any method you wish, but we suggest you select Compatible mode (best for drives that can be moved from this device). Step 6: Finally, you need to choose which encryption mode to use. We recommend you select Encrypt entire drive option. # Encrypt entire drive (slower but best for PCs and drives already in use) # Encrypt used disk space (faster and best for new PCs and drives) Step 5: Next you will see Choose how much of your USB drive to encrypt screen with two options: You can either save the key to your Microsoft account (if you are using one to sign in), save to a file, or print the recovery key and keep it in a safe place.Ĭlick any one of these options to back up the key. Step 4: In this step, BitLocker offers you three ways to back up the recovery key, just in case you forget the password. To make your password strong, use at least one uppercase letter, number, lower case letter, and symbol. Step 3: Select Use a password to unlock the drive check box, enter a password to protect your data on the USB drive, reenter the password to verify the password, and then click Next button.

Password protected usb