BitLocker is a program that encrypts all the data on your hard drive. Cybercriminals can use it to access your hard drive, but they cannot read the data. This makes your (research) files safer. The advantage of BitLocker is that it is very easy to use.
Step 1: Enable BitLocker
Enable BitLocker. To learn how, follow the instructions on the right side of this page. After you enable BitLocker, you can choose which hard drives you want to encrypt. If you have a new laptop, it is a good idea to encrypt the part you are using. That way, any new files will be encrypted automatically. If you have an older computer, it is better to encrypt the entire drive.
Step 2: Select encryption mode
In Windows 10 Pro, you can choose an encryption mode: new or compatible. The new mode is best if you have an internal drive or removable drive that you only use on a Windows 10 laptop. Compatible mode is especially useful if you use removable drives for older versions of Windows, where the new encryption mode is not available.
Step 3: Start encryption
Finally, press "Start encryption" and the specified drives will be encrypted. From this point on, you will need your password or USB drive to unlock your laptop. It may take a while to encrypt the drives. This mainly depends on the amount of data you want to encrypt. During this process, you can continue to use your computer as usual and will be kept informed of the progress. When the encryption process is complete, your data will be encrypted.
Source: https://www.avantage.nl/blog/wat-is-bitlocker-en-hoe-beschermt-het-data/
The program is currently available by default on devices running Windows 10 or 11 Pro (not Home), Enterprise and Education, including your HAN laptop. BitLocker is enabled by default on your HAN laptop. If you are using a personal laptop, you will need to enable it yourself.
Windows 11
Enable BitLocker encryption by default:
Log on to your laptop with an administrator account (you might need to log off and log on again to switch between accounts). For more information, see "Create a local or administrator account" in Windows.
In the taskbar search box, type "Manage BitLocker", and then select it from the list of results. Or go to "Start" > "Settings" > "Privacy and security" > "Device encryption" > "BitLocker drive encryption".
Comment: You will only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. It is not available on Windows 11 Home edition.
Select "Enable BitLocker" and then follow the instructions.
Windows 10
Enable BitLocker encryption by default:
Log on to your laptop with an administrator account (you might need to log off and log on again to switch between accounts). For more information, see "Create a local or administrator account" in Windows.
In the taskbar search box, type "Manage BitLocker", and then select it from the list of results. Or go to "Start", and then under "Windows System", select "Control panel". In the Control Panel, select "System and Security" and then select "Manage BitLocker" under "BitLocker drive encryption".
Comment: You will only see this option if BitLocker is available for your device. It is not available in Windows 10 Home.
Select "Enable BitLocker" and then follow the instructions.
If you forget your Bitlocker key, you will not be able to decrypt your data. Therefore, it is wise to store the recovery key in a safe place. The recovery key can be stored in your Microsoft account, printed or managed by your organization.
HAN Laptop
Are you using a HAN laptop? To unlock the bitlocker security, follow the steps below.
1. On another workstation or laptop, go to https://account.activedirectory.windowsazure.com.
2. Login with your HAN email address.
3. Click on your photo or initials in the upper right corner, then click "View Account.
4. Under 'Devices', click on the laptop in question.
5. Click on 'Show BitLocker keys'.
6. Click on 'Show recovery key'.
7. The 'Recovery key' is displayed.
8. After entering the 'Recovery key', the affected laptop will be unlocked again
Private laptop
Are you using a private laptop? The video instruction below explains how to find out.