Encrypt USB Flash Drives with BitLocker To Go in Windows 7

April 19th, 2009 . Filed under: Features. Tags: Bitlocker, Encrypt, USB Drive

Microsoft has extended Bitlocker functionality in Windows 7. BitLocker To Go extends BitLocker data protection to USB storage devices, enabling them to be restricted with a passphrase.

In addition to having control over passphrase length and complexity, IT administrators can set a policy that requires users to apply BitLocker protection to removable drives before being able to write to them. BitLocker To Go also allows users to more securely share data with users who have not yet deployed Windows 7.

To get started, first plugin your USB flash drive. Next, right click on the USB drive icon in the Computer folder and select Turn on Bitlocker.

Select how you want to protect it. Set a password or passphrase or use a smart card.

Click Next and backup your recovery key to a safe place. Now click Start Encrypting.

The USB flash drive will now be protected.

When you use it on another computer, you will have to give the password first.

View the Windows 7 BitLocker and BitLocker to Go Walkthrough at Microsoft.

To know more about the BitLocker Feature in Windows Vista & Windows7, How to prepare your computer for BitLocker Drive Encryption & How to recover data from a corrupted disk volume, encrypted with BitLocker, go HERE.