In a USB memory we can save / store files and important information that we do not want to fall into the hands of third parties. The problem is that by default, any user who has physical access to your USB stick or external disk will be able to access all the content stored inside when connecting the device to a Windows 10 computer. So if you want to protect the stored files on your USB memory from access to third parties, the solution would be to encrypt said storage device.
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Windows 10 has an encryption or encryption tool little known to most users. This tool is called BitLocker and it allows you to encrypt a USB memory or external hard drive to protect it from third parties. This encryption will allow you to configure a password without which, no user will be able to access the files inside the Pendrive without entering a password.
However, it should be noted that the encryption that BitLocker performs on your USB memory or storage device does not protect your data and files from practices of dubious integrity such as searching for passwords or the use of password harvesting malware.
With this method, what we will achieve is to prevent your files and confidential data from falling into the wrong hands or being accessed by unauthorized people through security incidents and data breaches.
That said, below we show you how to be able to encrypt or encrypt a USB memory in Windows 10 without third-party programs so that nobody can access the files stored inside without first entering the correct password:
How to encrypt a USB drive or external hard drive in Windows 10
– Connect the memory or storage device to your computer through a USB port.
– Once the USB memory is recognized, you will have to access it from the Windows File Explorer.
– When you are inside you must click on the Manage tab (greenish)
– This will reveal a series of options in the carousel at the top of the window.
– Here you will have to click on the option: BitLocker
– This will reveal a menu in which you will have to select the option: Activate BitLocker
– Wait a few seconds for BitLocker to configure.
– On the next screen you will have to check the box “Use a password to unlock the unit”.
– Enter a password and confirm it before clicking Next.
– You will be sent to a new screen where you will have to indicate how you want to create a backup copy of the recovery password.
– After making the backup you will have to select the amount of your USB memory you want to encrypt. Here, you have two options: select the entire drive or just the used space. Choose the encryption method that best suits your needs.
– Finally, you only have to select the encryption mode. There are two options: The new encryption which is much better and secure or the Compatibility Mode which makes it possible to unlock your USB stick on Windows 10 computers that are not updated or even other older operating system versions.
Note: If you are going to use the USB drive that you are encrypting on the same computer that you are encrypting, choose the new encryption mode. However, if you want to use it on other computers running older versions of Windows, we recommend using the “Compatible Mode”.
– Once the encryption mode has been selected, you only have to Start the Encryption by clicking on the button with that name.
This will start the encryption of the USB memory. This process may take more or less time depending on the size of the USB memory, the amount of data it has stored on it and the characteristics of your computer.
If when you connect the USB memory to your computer and it shows a lock symbol, you will know that the unit is securely encrypted. You will also be asked to enter the password that you created in the encryption process. There are also other options you can choose to automatically unlock the drive on your computer, or if you forgot the password, you can use the recovery key saved during the encryption process.
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