Bitlocker, good or bad?

Guy Martin.

Not everyone has heard the term, "Bitlocker." Yet, many out there have actually initialized the Bitlocker feature when they setup their Windows computers. So, what is Bitlocker, and is it something you need to use on your computer? What are the ups and downs of Bitlocker?

Bitlocker is a Microsoft Windows security feature that will encrypt your files on your entire hard drive. It is included with the Windows operating system, so there is no charge for using it. The main benefit of Bitlocker is that if your computer is lost or stolen, it makes it almost impossible for most people to access your data. The common thief is looking for a quick buck or wants the computer for themselves, so they will either give up on getting into the computer or just wipe the hard drive and reload it. Unfortunately, you will be out of a computer, but your data will most likely be safe and secured.

Bitlocker generates an encryption key that is stored in your online Microsoft account. You will be able to login to your account and find the encryption key there, in case you never wrote it down. There is also an option to generate a USB flash/thumb drive that you can use to unlock the drive. As long as the hard drive is in your computer that you setup the encryption on, you do not have to re-enter the 48 digit encryption key every time you turn your computer on. You just enter your login password or pin. If you have to remove the hard drive, or access the hard drive in a recovery mode, you will need that encryption key or recovery flash drive.

There are other encryption software options out there, some free and some you need to pay for. However, Bitlocker is already in the system and free to use.

Now, back to my previous statement that some computer owners do not know they have Bitlocker setup on their computer, until a problem arises and they cannot access their data. I have many computers come in with failing hard drives or system corruptions. The main goal is to save the customer's data on the drive. Some of these drives have Bitlocker activated on it, and unless they have the recovery key, I am not able to save the data because it is encrypted. Sometimes, we are not able to recover the data due to lost keys.

Bitlocker usually gets activated on a brand-new system setup. A user will see an option for securing their data and then will select that without realizing the implications of it. You will be prompted to setup a Microsoft account, and that encryption key will be added to the account for safe keeping. However, many customers do not realize they have an online Microsoft account once they setup the computer, and tend to forget the password to that account. Then it becomes a chore to get the information to get the key to save their data.

So, the best practice is to make sure to write down the Microsoft account information once you setup your computer. If you know what it is, you can login into your account and see if you have a Bitlocker key attached to it. The account will show any devices you have setup with Bitlocker.

I know this was a lot to take in, and I could write tons more about it. Please, feel free to call, email or come in and visit my shop if you need help or have questions. I sure would love to meet you, even if just to shoot the breeze for a few.

For more information call Guy Martin at (661) 972-0448, email [email protected] or visit 20424 Brian Way, Unit 4, Tehachapi.