Share this article
Improve this guide
Is Windows 11 Encrypted by Default? How to Check Your Device
Everything you need to know about Windows 11 encryption
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Device encryptionis an important part of any machine, including the Windows operating system. This feature has been around since the days of Windows Vista but has permanently been disabled out of the box.
However, there are rumblings of change on the latest OS, and some users wonder if Windows 11 is encrypted by default. Well, you are about to find that out in this detailed guide. Read on!
Does Windows 11 have encryption?
Windows 11 has two encryption modes:Device Encryption and BitLocker encryption. Device encryption (available on Windows 11 Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education) helps encrypt all available drives on your device without exception.
On the other hand, BitLocker is only available on Windows 11, Pro, Enterprise, and Education. It also gives admins the option to choose the drives that should be encrypted.
Another advantage of BitLocker is that you can easily back up and recover your encryption key.
However, the two options offer full disk encryption technology that keeps your data safe.
Does Windows 11 have BitLocker encryption on by default?
Both Windows 11 Home and Pro versions usually support automatic device encryption by default. However, you need tosign in with your Microsoft accountduring the setup process to kick BitLocker on.
But this is not true for users who sign in with local accounts. Also, if your device does not meet the requirement for encryption, your device will not be encrypted by default.
Check this guide’s next section to know if your device is encrypted.
How do I know if encryption is enabled in Windows 11?
With this, you can check your Windows 11 encryption status and know if it is activated by default.
If you can’t find the feature, all hope is not lost, as you might still be able to use the BitLocker drive encryption option if you are on Windows 11 Pro.
Why is encryption disabled on Windows 11?
There are various reasons you might have encryption disabled by default on your Windows 11 PC. The most common reason you might not find the device encryption option within your Settings app is the lack of support forModern Standby.
This low-power state feature helps your PC carry out a series of processes, likesystem updates. Also, it is important to make your PC wake up instantly.
To find out more reasons you can’t find device encryption on Windows 11, follow the steps below:
So, depending on the reason listed, you might be able to fix it. If the reason is not something you can fix, you can use BitLocker instead.
However, you have to be on Windows 11 Pro to use this feature.
There you have it: everything you need to know about if your Windows 11 PC is encrypted by default. We have shown what you must do to encrypt your PC if it is not encrypted out of the box.
So, with the information in this guide, your data will always be protected. However, you may encounter issues ifdevice encryption is missing in Windows 11.
If you need a list of thebest file encryption software for your PC, check our detailed guide for the top options available.
Feel free to let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
More about the topics:encryption,Windows 11 guides
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
