What is encryption?

Encryption is a method of securing data. With encryption, data is translated into an unreadable format, which can only be unscrambled with a password or decryption key. This means if someone were to obtain your encrypted storage device (USB drive, SD card, etc.), they would not be able to access the data without the password or decryption key.


What is BitLocker?

BitLocker is Microsoft's tool used with Windows to encrypt a removable storage device and restrict access with a password.  Here are the steps to use BitLocker on a city-owned device running Microsoft Windows 10 or 11:


Steps

  1. Attach a removable storage device (USB drive, etc.) to the computer
  2. Open File Explorer
  3. Right click on the attached removable storage device (e.g., look for a new drive letter D:, E:, etc.)
  4. Click Turn on BitLocker (this process will NOT delete any data on the removable storage device)
  5. The BitLocker Drive Encryption window will display (wait for the "Starting BitLocker" process to complete)
  6. Enter a password in the "Type your passoword:" field (the password must be 15 characters, which include a combination of numbers, uppercase or lowercase letters, and a symbol)
  7. Re-enter the password in the "Retype your password:" field (remembering this password is vital as IT may not be able to recover data from drives where the password is unknown)
  8. Click Next
  9. Click "Start encrypting"
  10. The encyption process will begin, which takes varying amounts of time based on the data that may already exist on the removable storage device
  11. A window will display when encryption is complete
  12. Click Close
  13. Right click on the removable storage device in File Explorer and click Eject when you are finished working with it
  14. Re-attach the removable storage device to the computer and confirm a prompt for the password is presented.

    Please note the drive letter may be different.
  15. Enter the password and Click Unlock

    Please note the drive letter may be different.
  16.  Make sure to properly eject the removable storage device when complete


FAQs

  • Can I change the password used to unlock the removable storage device?  Yes.  Attach the removable storage device and enter the password to unlock. it.  Type BitLocker in the Start Menu search box and click Manage BitLocker.  From the Manage BitLocker control panel, expand the "Removable data drives - BitLocker to Go" section and click "Change password."

    Please note the drive letter may be different.
  • If the password is unknown for unlocking the drive can IT recover the data?  Possibly.  Please contact the Help Desk for assistance.
  • The locked drive is not showing in File Explorer, what do I do now?  Type BitLocker in the Start Menu search box and click Manage BitLocker.  From the Manage BitLocker control panel, expand the "Removable data drives - BitLocker to Go" section and click Unlock Drive.

    Please note the drive letter may be different.
  • I am having trouble with this process, how do I receive help?  Please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.