Encryption on Windows Home Edition

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Not all versions of Windows Home Edition support BitLocker hard drive encryption. Below are the steps to see if your device can support BitLocker encryption. 


How to Encrypt with BitLocker 

For Windows Home device that can support BitLocker, which does not have the "Device encryption" setting available to support standard encryption or BitLocker, follow the below steps:

Windows 10 and 11:

  • Sign in to Windows with an administrator account.
  • In the search box on the taskbar, enter Manage BitLocker and select from results. OR select the Start button.
  • Under Windows System, select Control Panel.
  • In the Control Panel, select System and Security.
  • Then under BitLocker Drive Encryption, select Manage BitLocker. You’ll only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device.
    • If the Device encryption page isn't available, then it's possible that your device doesn't support the encryption feature. See below for additional steps.
  • Select Turn on BitLocker and follow the instructions provided.

Check if your device supports encryption

  • Open Start.
  • Search for System Information, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
  • Click the System Summary branch from the left pane.
  • Check the "Device Encryption Support" item, and if it reads Meets prerequisites, then your computer includes support file encryption.

If your device does not meet the requirements see below for additional steps, or contact your admin. 

 

Enable Device Encryption

  • Open Settings.

  • Click on Update & Security.

  • Click on Device encryption.
    • If the Device encryption page isn't available, then it's possible that your device doesn't support the encryption feature.
  • Under the Device encryption section, click the Turn on button.

Activating encryption hardware (TPM)

Some computer manufacturers do not automatically enable disk encryption hardware. Follow these steps to activate the chip. 

  • Open Settings.
  • Click on Update & Security.
  • Click on Recovery.
  • Under the Advanced startup section, click the Restart now button.

  • Click Troubleshoot
  • Click Advanced options
  • Click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
  • Click the Restart button.
  • Locate the security settings.

    • You may need to consult your manufacturer support website for more specific details to find the TPM settings.

  • Enable the TPM feature.

Windows Home does not Support BitLocker Encryption: 

If the version of Windows 11 Home does not support BitLocker, we recommend a third-party encryption solution as an option. 

After installing the third-party encryption software, Vanta will not be able to detect the encryption, please provide manual evidence on the monitor

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