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How to Encrypt USB Flash Drive in Windows 10 [Easy Guide]
Give a try to these quick methods now
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
If you want to encrypt your USB flash drive, you don’t need to install any third-party tools. Windows already has everything you need to perform theencryptionof yourUSB drive.
This built-in Windows tool is calledBitLocker, and is definitely the best choice because it’s probably the safest and the most reliabletool for encrypting.
How do I encrypt a USB flash drive on Windows 10?
1. Use a flash drive encryption software
Encrypting your data, removable or not, is always easier if you use a third-party tool specialized just for that. With that in mind, Folder Lock is your best choice when you want to encrypt any USB drive.
It is lightweight, fast, and you don’t need prior experience using similar tools to figure out how it is done.
Just set a master password, then select whatever type of data needs protecting, such as folder locking, file encryption, secure backups, and more.
Folder Lock
2. Use Windows 10’s built-in tools
To encrypt yourUSB flash drive, follow these instructions listed below:
If you’re using a newerWindows 10version, the steps to follow are a bit different. This is because Microsoft added a few changes to Windows 1o’s UI.
How to enable Bitlocker on USB drive on newer Windows 10 versions?
Here’s what you should do to encrypt aUSB flash drivewith BitLocker inWindows 10:
Now yourUSB flash driveis encrypted, and only you or users with the password could access its content.
For additional protection, check our guide on how to create aUSB security key on Windows 11and keep your PC safe from all third parties.
More about the topics:encryption,USB flash drive,Windows 10 Guides
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
