Although cloud drives are already a very popular way to share files, after all, most cloud spaces are public clouds. For some companies or groups that value confidentiality, pen drives that do not require an Internet connection are still the most common form of file exchange. . However, under normal conditions, anyone can access an ordinary external storage device by connecting it to a computer, which also increases the chances of file leakage. Therefore, it is recommended to add an additional protection mechanism, that is, to protect flash drives. encryption. Generally, there are two ways to encrypt a flash drive. One is to purchase a flash drive with hardware encryption function, which is usually more expensive. The second is to encrypt via software.
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, there is a built-in BitLocker tool for encrypting devices. Its main function is to encrypt the disk drive on the computer to prevent data theft or exposure. Therefore, we can also use BitLocker with an ordinary flash drive to create our own An encrypted flash drive with password protection, but please note that only the Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows have built-in BitLocker.
Step 1. Right-click the flash drive to be encrypted and select “Enable BitLocker”.
Step 2. There are two ways to unlock: password and smart card. The latter requires additional hardware, so check “Password”, enter it and click “Next”.
Step 3. The recovery key is the only way to unlock it when you forget your password. Be sure to save it properly and click “Next” after backing up.
Step 4. If it is a new flash drive, you can choose the first option to encrypt only the used space. If there are already files in the flash drive, choose the second option.
Step 5. Since a new encryption mode was introduced after Windows 10, select the compatibility mode if the flash drive will be used on other older systems.
Step 6. After completing the above settings, click “Start Encryption”.
Step 7. Wait for the encryption process to complete. Do not remove the flash drive during the process to avoid file damage.
Step 8. In the future, the flash drive will be plugged into the computer. To access the files, you need to enter the set password and “unlock” it.
Step 9. If you do not want to have to enter the password every time you plug in the flash drive to your computer, you can click “More Options”.
Step 10. Check “Automatically unlock on this computer” and click “Unlock”.
Step 11. To change BitLocker settings, right-click on the flash drive and select “Manage BitLocker”.
Step 12. You can change the password, back up the key or turn off the BitLocker encryption function.
This article was simultaneously published in PC home magazine
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