BitLocker review

BitLocker is the natural choice if your PC runs Windows Pro, Enterprise or Education, because it is already part of the operating system. It encrypts entire volumes, so a lost laptop or a recycled drive does not expose its data. Microsoft's documentation explains that BitLocker gives the most protection with a Trusted Platform Module, which checks that the device was not tampered with while it was off, and you can add a startup PIN or a USB startup key for a second factor. On PCs without a TPM it can still encrypt the operating system drive with a startup key on a removable drive; Microsoft discourages the password option because there is no lockout against guessing. The catch is the edition: Microsoft lists BitLocker enablement for Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education/SE and Education, so Windows Home users should look at VeraCrypt. Like FileVault, BitLocker protects drives, not single files you share.

Who it is for

Windows Pro users encrypting whole drives

Price

Included with Windows Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education/SE and Education.

The following table lists the Windows editions that support BitLocker enablement: Windows Pro Windows Enterprise Windows Pro Education/SE Windows Education
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Encrypts entire volumes on internal drives
• Works with a TPM 1.2 or later to check the device was not tampered with
• Optional startup PIN or a USB startup key before Windows boots
• Can encrypt the OS drive on devices without a TPM using a startup key
• Managed centrally by IT in Enterprise and Education editions

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No extra software to install on supported Windows editions
• Strength: TPM plus PIN gives multifactor protection at startup
• Strength: Protects data on lost, stolen or decommissioned devices
• Weakness: Enablement is listed only for Pro, Enterprise and Education editions
• Weakness: Encrypts whole volumes, not individual files you send
• Weakness: Without a TPM, Microsoft discourages the password option because it has no lockout

Key facts

• Price: Included with supported Windows editions
• Platforms: Windows
• Encrypts: Entire volumes
• Hardware: TPM 1.2 or later recommended

Where it ranks

BitLocker is No. 6 in our Best File Encryption Software verdict.