How to enable full-disk encryption on your laptop

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Secure ConfigHigh priority

About 30 minutes to complete

Turn on BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) to encrypt everything on your laptop's hard drive.

Step-by-step guide

Windows: 1. Search for 'Manage BitLocker' in Start
Click 'Turn on BitLocker' next to your main drive
Save your recovery key to your Microsoft account or a USB drive
Choose to encrypt the whole drive
Mac: 1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
Click 'FileVault' and turn it on
Store the recovery key safely

7 steps

Why this matters

If your laptop is lost or stolen, encryption means the thief cannot read your files even if they remove the drive.

How to confirm it worked

The setting is saved and active on your device
You have tested it works before closing the page

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