

You cannot turn the computer off or remove the memory stick while it is encryption. The amount of time the USB takes to encrypt will depend on the size of the drive and the data already on it.When the USB has been encrypted, it cannot be used on a Mac.These instructions are for encrypting a USB storage device on a Windows computer, for use on a Windows computer.If you see “AutoPlay” on your screen, click it to view its options in a pop-up window. Plug your USB drive into your Windows PC and let the computer recognize the drive.Plug in USB Drive and Open in File Explorer To encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker To Go in supported Windows versions, follow the steps below: 1. If you’re using Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 Home, scroll down for other alternatives. Windows 10 and 11 come with BitLocker, a feature that makes it easy to encrypt your hard drives When used for USB drives, it is technically called “BitLocker To Go.” BitLocker is only available in the Windows 10 and 11 Pro versions. It also allows you to delete your data more securely before discarding your drive, as it’s near impossible to recover deleted data from an encrypted drive. If you don’t encrypt your flash drive, anyone can get their hands on it and check your private files on their computer without your knowledge or consent.Įncrypting the USB stick is a reliable means of protecting it from data theft or exposure.

