How to turn device encryption on or off in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users the steps to enable or disable device encryption in Windows 11. If your computer supports it, device encryption can be used to protect your data from unauthorized access.

For computers that don’t support it, they can turn on standard BitLocker encryption. By default, device encryption is enabled on Windows 11 compatible computers and laptops.

Device encryption will scramble your computer data in unreadable code, making it indecipherable to anyone who does not have a password or recovery key. This increases the chance that your data will remain safe and secure when using Windows 11.

The new Windows 11 comes with many new features and a new user desktop, including a centered start menu and taskbar, rounded corner windows, themes and colors that will make any computer look and feel modern.

If you’re excited about Windows 11, keep reading our posts about it.

To start enabling device encryption in Windows 11, follow the steps below.

How to enable device encryption in Windows 11

As mentioned above, device encryption allows users to protect their data store on their computer. Here’s how to turn it on.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for most of its setup applications. From system settings to creating new users and updating Windows, everything can be done from the System settings crystal.

To access the System Settings, you can use the Windows key + i shortcut or click Start ==> Settings as shown in the following picture:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and find Settings. Then select to open it.

The Windows settings panel should look similar to the image below. In Windows settings, click Privacy & Securityand select Device encryption on the right panel of the screen shown in the image below.

In the device encryption settings panel, move the button to the Upon position to enable device encryption.

Once enabled, you will immediately see Encryption is in progress until it is complete.

How to disable device encryption in Windows 11.

If you change your mind about device encryption and want to disable it, just reverse the steps above by going to Start menu ==> Settings ==> Privacy and security ==> Device encryption, then switch the button to the Off position to disable.

You should do that!

Conclusion:

In this tutorial we have seen how to enable or disable device encryption in Windows 11. If you encounter any errors or have something to add, please use the comment form below.