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BitLocker made its debut in Windows Vista, initially designed to encrypt only the primary operating system drive. However, as technology evolved, its capabilities were expanded to encompass the encryption of additional drives and volumes. In Windows 7, BitLocker evolved into BitLocker-To-Go, granting it the capability to encrypt data on USB thumb drives and various other removable storage devices.
Follow these steps to encrypt your flash drive using the BitLocker-To-Go feature.
The next time you connect the USB drive to a Windows 7 computer, you’ll receive a prompt to input the password for accessing the drive. For convenience, you can choose to keep it unlocked on designated machines going forward. Additionally, you can utilize the encrypted drive on Vista and XP systems. Essentially, the BitLocker-To-Go Reader functions as a Windows Explorer-like tool for browsing the drive’s content.
If you’re using Windows XP or Vista with a BitLocker encrypted drive, you can only access and copy files. To add or modify files, you’ll require a Windows 7 machine. This method ensures the security of sensitive data on your USB flash drive. Therefore, Windows 7 users, take advantage of this useful BitLocker-To-Go feature!
The BitLocker-To-Go functionality in Windows 7 empowers users to safeguard their USB flash drives through password protection. This article presents a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on leveraging this valuable feature, covering minor intricacies. Additionally, it underscores the significance of this locker in ensuring data security.