Turn on device encryption – Microsoft Support

Encryption helps protect the data on your device so it can only be accessed by people who have authorization. If device encryption isn’t available on your device, you might be able to turn on standard BitLocker encryption instead.

Turn on device encryption

1. Sign in to Windows with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, see Create a local or administrator account in Windows.
2. Select Start  > Settings  > Privacy & security  > Device encryption. If Device encryption doesn’t appear, it isn’t available. You may be able to use standard BitLocker encryption instead. Open Device encryption in Settings.
3. If Device encryption is turned off, turn it On.

Turn on standard BitLocker encryption

1. Sign in to your Windows device with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, see Create a local or administrator account in Windows.
2. In the search box on the taskbar, type Manage BitLocker and then select it from the list of results. Or, select Start  > Settings  > Privacy & security  > Device encryption > BitLocker drive encryption.
   
   Note: You’ll only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. It isn’t available on Windows 11 Home edition.
3. Select Turn on BitLocker and then follow the instructions.