BitLocker PINs can now be 6 to 20 characters long, aligning with other Windows features that use TPM 2.0. However, Windows allows you to specify the minimum length for BitLocker Startup Pin in Windows 11/10. In this post, we will learn how to do the same.
To help organizations with the transition, now in Windows 11/10, the BitLocker PIN length is 6 characters by default, but it can be reduced to 4 characters. If the minimum PIN length is set below 6 digits, Windows will attempt to update the TPM 2.0 lockout period to be greater than the default when a PIN is changed. If successful, Windows will only reset the TPM lockout period back to default if the TPM is reset.
Increasing the BitLocker Startup PIN length requires a greater number of guesses for an attacker. In that case, the lockout duration between each guess can be shortened to allow legitimate users to retry a failed attempt sooner while maintaining a similar level of protection.
Specify Minimum Length for BitLocker Startup PIN
To specify a minimum length of BitLocker Startup PIN, we will use the Local Group Policy Editor.
Open the Local Group Policy Editor and on the left pane of Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the location-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives.
On the right pane of Operating System Drives double-click Configure minimum PIN length for startup policy to edit it.
This policy setting allows you to configure a minimum length for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) startup PIN. This policy setting is applied when you turn on BitLocker. The startup PIN must have a minimum length of 4 digits and can have a maximum length of 20 digits.
If you enable this policy setting, you can require a minimum number of digits to be used when setting the startup PIN.
If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, users can configure a startup PIN of any length between 6 and 20 digits.
If minimum PIN length is set below 6 digits, Windows will attempt to update the TPM 2.0 lockout period to be greater than the default when a PIN is changed. If successful, Windows will only reset the TPM lockout period back to default if the TPM is reset.
Now do the following;
To Use Default Minimum Length for BitLocker Startup PIN
Select the radio button for Not Configured or Disabled, click OK.
To Specify Minimum Length for BitLocker Startup PIN
Select the radio button for Enabled, enter a number between 4 to 20 in Minimum characters field for what you want, click OK.
You can now exit Group Policy Editor and restart your system.
This is how you can configure the Minimum Length for BitLocker Startup PIN in Windows 11/10.
Read: BitLocker missing or not showing in Windows 11/10
What is the minimum length of PIN in BitLocker?
By default, BitLocker PINs should be a minimum of 4 digits in length. However, the administrator can enforce longer PIN lengths for increased security based on the policies of your organization.
Also Read: Create a BitLocker Drive Encryption shortcut in Windows 11/10.
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