BitLocker
What is BitLocker and why is it necessary for my College laptop?
BitLocker is a Windows security feature that encrypts everything on your Windows device. This encryption protects your data in case of data theft, or if your device is ever lost, stolen or inactive.
Installing BitLocker on your device keeps your data protected. When your device is no longer active, BitLocker renders the data inaccessible. During the startup process on your device, BitLocker will require a personal identification number (PIN) or password. This PIN or Password is only known to you but ITS has a method to recover it if you forget or it’s lost.
Self-Installing BitLocker on your device
Click here to view a pdf version of installing BitLocker
On your Windows device, Click the Windows Start icon, located in the left-hand corner of your screen
In the search box, type Control Panel
From the Control Panel dialog box, select System and Security
Next, select the BitLocker Drive Encryption option
Select the Turn on BitLocker option
The BitLocker process will run
Next, select the Enter a PIN (recommended) option or Enter a Password option
Note: Depending on your operating system, you will either enter a pin or a password. The pin must be 6-20 numbers long. The password must be 8-20 characters long.Type in a PIN number or a Password
If you need help deciding how to pick a PIN, review the ‘How to pick your PIN or Password’ section below. This PIN is not your password and once set, won’t change unless you want to do it. It should be a numeric sequence that is unique to you and easy to remember. You will only need to enter it when restarting your computer so you will use it much less frequently than your log in password.Click the Set PIN button or Set Password button
On the ‘Choose how much of the drive to encrypt’ < Select Encrypt entire drive (slower but best for PCs and drives already in use)
Click the Next button
On the ‘Choose which encryption mode to use’ option < Select New encryption mode (best for fixed drives on this device)
On the ‘Are you ready to encrypt this drive?’ option < Make sure the Run BitLocker system check is selected
Click the Continue button
BitLocker will start the encryption process. Once it’s completed, you will be prompted to restart your computer.
Click the Restart now or Restart later button.
Note: Depending on your device, when restarting your computer, this process may take a while. Consider restarting your device at the end of the work day.Once your computer restarts, before you login, you will be prompted to enter your BitLocker pin or password, which is the pin/password you set-up in steps 7 thru 9.
Type in your BitLocker pin or password, then the login screen to enter your Centre username and password will display. Login as you normally would.
BitLocker is successfully set-up on your device.
How to pick your PIN or Password?
When picking your BitLocker pin, you must choose a pin that is 6-20 numbers long. You want to select a combination of numbers that is easy for you to remember. Think about birthdays, anniversary, etc. Avoid numerical or sequencing numbers such as 123456, or 111111.
When picking your BitLocker password, choose a password that will be easy to remember that is 8-20 characters long. Do not use your Centre password.
What happens if I forget my pin/password?
ITS will be able to retrieve your pin/password. Enter a helpdesk ticket by emailing helpdesk@centre.edu.
You can also review Microsoft's support on finding your BitLocker recovery key which you may need to unlock your system.