---
title: Turn on device encryption – Microsoft Support
description: "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…"
url: "https://cleversupport.ca/docs/windows-11/turn-on-device-encryption-microsoft-support/"
updated: "2024-05-15"
category: Windows / Windows 11
---

# 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](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4026923).
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](deviceencryption?activationSource=SMC-IA-4028713).
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](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4026923).
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.