If your computer meets the Windows version and TPM requirements, the process for enabling BitLocker is as follows:
- Click Start , click Control Panel, click System and Security (if the control panel items are listed by category), and then click BitLocker Drive Encryption.
- Click Turn on BitLocker.
- BitLocker scans your computer to verify that it meets the system requirements.
- If your computer meets the system requirements, the setup wizard continues with the BitLocker Startup Preferences in step 8.
- If preparations need to be made to your computer to turn on BitLocker, they are displayed. Click Next.
- If prompted to do so, remove any CDs, DVDs, and USB flash drives from your computer and then click Shutdown.
- Turn your computer back on after shutdown. Follow the instructions in the message to continue initializing the TMP. (The message varies, depending on the computer manufacturer)
- If your computer shuts down again, turn it back on.
- The BitLocker setup wizard resumes atomically. Click Next.
- When the BitLocker startup preferences page is displayed, click Require a PIN at every startup.
- Enter a PIN from 8 to 20 characters long and then enter it again in the Confirm PIN field. Click Set PIN.
Note: You will need to enter your PIN each time you start your computer. - To store your recovery key, select Print the recovery key and then click Next.
Note: Make sure your computer is connected to a printer. - Print a copy of your recovery key.
- You will be prompted to restart your computer to start the encryption process. You can use your computer while your drive is being encrypted.