If you turned on BitLocker for the OS drive, then you could also choose to automatically unlock a fixed data drive when you sign in to Windows.

When you turn on BitLocker for a fixed data drive, you can choose to unlock the drive using a password or smart card.

This encryption process can take some time depending on the size of the drive and encryption mode.How to Unlock a Fixed or Removable BitLocker Drive in WindowsīitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that integrates with the operating system and addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen, or inappropriately decommissioned computers. Step 10: Choose an encryption mode and click Start encrypting to begin the process. Step 9: Decide how much of your drive to encrypt and click Next to continue.

Step 8: Choose one way to back up the recovery key to avoid forgetting the password when accessing your drive. Step 7: Tick the box of Use a password to unlock the drive, type in a password, and confirm the password. Step 6: Under the Removable data drives – BitLocker To Go section, click Turn on BitLocker. Step 5: In the new window, scroll down to BitLocker and click Turn on BitLocker. Just choose the USB flash drive that you want to encrypt and choose Properties. Step 4: On the Disks & volumes settings pane, all the drives are listed. Step 3: Expand Advanced storage settings and then click Disks & volumes. Step 2: Go to the System tab, click Storage. Step 1: Press the Win and I keys on the keyboard to open the Settings app in Windows 11. Related article: Solved – How to Password Protect USB Drive Free Windows 10 The following are steps for BitLocker USB Drive Windows 11. The way to password protect USB drives in Windows 11 is similar to Windows 10 but there is also a difference since Windows 11 brings many brand new designs and features including new settings. Without authentication, access is denied. Only authorized users have access to the BitLocker-enabled device. If someone steals your USB stick, he cannot access the data stored on the device. Also, you can use it to password protect USB drive free. It can help encrypt your hard drive to keep the data safe in case it is theft or lost. In Windows 11, there is a built-in feature called BitLocker. Read More How to Put Password on USB Flash Drive Windows 11

Bitlocker for external hard drive