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Windows 11 encryption

Tags: Windows

When I install Windows 11 using a local account without internet access and take a look at the disk partitions, it says that my C drive is encrypted. If this is the case, then where is the encryption key located? If the answer to that question is TPM (I’m not sure if this is what it’s used for) would that mean that I’m now unable to move the hard drive to another computer?

Thanks in advance

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[birdmantd]

Reply To: Windows 11 encryption

In reply to Windows 11 encryption

Have you attempted to reach out to Microsoft or do an internet search yet? That is the normal route to find an answer.

Try this article: https://websiteforstudents.com/how-to-turn-on-or-off-device-encryption-on-windows-11/ that I found by doing a quick internet search.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by birdmantd.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by birdmantd.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by birdmantd.

As to the move the hard drive.

In reply to Windows 11 encryption

We need to clarify what is expected when we move said drive. I have never had an issue moving the drive, that is a mechanical problem and nothing more.
But if you expect the OS and data to survive then more detail is required. If it’s a bootlocked drive then the OS and data will by design be lost. There is nothing wrong about this loss as again, it’s how the Bitlocker is supposed to operate and protect the contents from casual or easy access.

Also well known but has to be written is “we only lose what we don’t backup.” Bitlocker and other encryption systems are nice for what they provide but they do mean that backups are usually the only way to recover when the OS or drive is corrupted.

Reply To: Windows 11 encryption

In reply to Windows 11 encryption

I have just one partition – c: , that’s encrypted with the windows’ 11 bit locker.

However, I’m asked for the pin (which I believe serves as the encryption key) not when the computer launches, but once the windows 11 login screen loads.

If the partition with windows 11 is encrypted, how could the windows’ login screen load without the encryption key/pin being provided in the first place?

I don’t really get that which makes me doubtful about the quality of windows’ 11 built-in encryption.

You seem to want “FULL DISK ENCRYPTION”

In reply to Reply To: Windows 11 encryption

Full disk encryption isn’t required since the W11 login mandated email logins which are encrypted.

I can’t imagine why you’d want more but hey, look around in the BIOS/UEFI for a boot password to add more annoyance to booting up your PC.

[Author]

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