The key ID matches the start of the recovery key file name that you were prompted to save when the USB drive was encrypted.įind the recovery key file in file explorer You will be asked to enter the recovery key and shown the recovery key ID.Insert the USB device and, at the password prompt, select 'more options'.What to do if you have forgotten your password You can also enter the password via the USB icon in file explorer. To do this, either right click the USB and eject, or right click the USB icon in the system trayīy ejecting it, you are ensuring the device is no longer in use.Įach time you insert the device into your computer you will be prompted to enter the password: first you will get a message saying a USB device has been inserted, then the password prompt will show.

Back in file explorer, the encrypted USB shows with a different iconĮach time you finish using the USB device, eject it before removing it.

When encryption finishes, a completed message is displayed.

The encryption begins and you will see a progress bar.

You will see an are you ready to encrypt this device prompt. If so, choose 'start encrypting'.

The next window asks which encryption mode to use.

The options are to 'encrypt used disk space only' or 'encrypt entire drive'. The choice you make will depend on your device and data.

Choose how much of your drive to encrypt.

Save the file with the suggested file name (do not rename) It is recommended to save the key to a file e.g. The key is used if you forget the password in the future.

You will be asked how you want to backup your recovery key.

Enter the password you would like to use.

Select ‘use a password to unlock the drive’

The next screen asks how you want to be able to unlock the drive.

You will see a 'starting BitLocker' message.

Right click, and choose turn BitLocker on

Insert the USB storage device into a University Windows computer.

It can take anything from a minute to several hours You cannot turn the computer off or remove the memory stick while it is encryption.

The amount of time the USB takes to encrypt will depend on the size of the drive and the data already on it.

When the USB has been encrypted, it cannot be used on a Mac.

These instructions are for encrypting a USB storage device on a Windows computer, for use on a Windows computer.

Encrypt usb stick