BitLocker: encrypting your Windows laptop
Encryption scrambles the data on your drive so it's unreadable without your sign-in. If your laptop is lost or stolen, encryption means your files can't simply be read off the drive. On Windows this is called BitLocker.
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Which Windows has it
BitLocker comes with Windows Pro and Enterprise. Windows Home has a similar feature called Device Encryption, which many modern laptops turn on automatically. Either one does the job.
Turn it on
Search the Start menu for BitLocker (or Device Encryption on Home editions) and follow the prompts. On a laptop, it's well worth doing.
Save your recovery key somewhere safe
Encryption comes with a recovery key, a long code that unlocks the drive if you're ever locked out. Windows can save it to your Microsoft account, which is the easiest option. Don't lose it, and don't store it on the same laptop, or it can't help you.
A gentle reality check
Encryption protects a drive that's switched off or removed. It doesn't replace a strong sign-in or antivirus while you're using the PC. It's one layer, and a valuable one for anything portable.
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