Microsoft 365: Setup USB BitLocker

Modified on Wed, 9 Jul at 2:34 PM

Microsoft 365: Setup USB BitLocker

Before you begin setting up Bitlocker on a USB, there are some things to consider:

- OneDrive Integration: Make sure OneDrive is configured on your local computer so that you can save the password recovery key of the USB.

- Cloud PC Compatibility: Encrypted USB drives won't appear under Cloud PC 'This PC' section.

- External Client USBs: Please refrain from setting up BitLocker on USB drives belonging to external clients.

- Recovery Key Responsiblity: Remember, the password recovery key file is your key to regaining access to your USB's data if the password is forgotten. It's crucial to keep this file in a secure location. If you lose or misplace the recovery key file, we are unable to recover it.

Detailed Process

1. Insert your USB into the computer. On the local computer, a 'BitLocker Drive Encryption' window should appear on the desktop.

2. Select 'Encrypt this device using BitLocker Drive Encryption'.

3. Select 'Encrypt used disk space only (faster and best for new PCS and drives)'.

4. Tick the 'Use a password to unlock the drive' box and enter your password.

5. Please go to "Print the recovery key" - Choose Microsoft Print to PDF and save it as a PDF to any folder. Please keep in mind that if you forget your USB password, this recovery key can be used to unlock it.

6. Select 'Encrypt used disk space only (faster and best for new PCs and drives)'.

7. Select 'Compatible mode (best for drives that can be moved from device)'.

Note:
-If it's stuck on a percentage for a long period. Click Pause and then immediately Resume to speed up the process.

-If the BitLocker Drive Encryption window is not responding, please click 'Wait for the program to respond'. After a couple of minutes, the program will close down, and you should be able to move documents.

8. You should be able to move and edit documents on the USB drive after entering the password.