The provided information describes how to enable Device Encryption in Windows, which protects your entire drive, including your settings, rather than encrypting individual settings files directly.
Here's how to turn on Device Encryption in Windows:
- Sign in with an administrator account: You must be logged in to Windows with an administrator account to enable Device Encryption.
- Access Device Encryption Settings: You can access the Device encryption settings in two ways, as referenced:
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption.
- Use the shortcut by searching for “Device encryption” in the Windows search bar.
- Enable Device Encryption: Use the toggle button to switch Device Encryption On.
Important Considerations:
- System Requirements: Device encryption requires specific hardware and software configurations. Ensure your device meets these requirements, which often include TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and Modern Standby.
- BitLocker: Device Encryption is typically based on BitLocker technology.
- Recovery Key: When you enable Device Encryption, a recovery key is generated. It is crucial to back up this recovery key. Without it, you may not be able to access your data if there is a problem with your system. Consider saving it to your Microsoft account, printing it, or saving it to a USB drive.
