BitLocker
Built-in Windows disk encryption for Pro and Enterprise editions
- #6 of 10 in best file encryption software
- Free
- Free to use
- Windows
Ranked 6 of 10 in best file encryption software
Built-in full-disk encryption at no extra cost on Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education. It covers the system and fixed drives but not USB drives, and its source is not published.
Best for Windows Pro users who want built-in disk encryption
About BitLocker
BitLocker encrypts the Windows operating system drive and fixed drives, and it is included with Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editions, according to Microsoft's documentation. Microsoft's overview says it does not encrypt external or USB drives.
BitLocker is a built-in feature rather than a separate download, so there is no separate price. Microsoft's documentation describes device encryption as a simpler way for some devices to turn on BitLocker automatically. Its source code is not published, so Microsoft's documentation is the main public reference.
Key features
- Full-disk encryption
- Built into Windows settings
- Device encryption on some PCs
- Recovery key management
- Windows Pro and Enterprise
Strengths
- Built into Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education
- Encrypts the system drive and fixed drives
Limits
- Not included in every Windows edition
- Encrypts system and fixed drives, not USB drives
Where BitLocker ranks
How BitLocker compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Protects | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#4 age | 87.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line | Files, scriptable | Command line |
| #5gocryptfs | 86.5 | Free and open source | LinuxCommand line | Folders, one encrypted file per file | Command line |
| #6BitLocker | 84.0 | Free | Windows | System and fixed drives | Windows settings |
#7 AxCrypt | 83.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | Individual files | Graphical app |
#8 FileVault | 83.0 | Free | macOS | Startup disk | macOS settings |
The full comparison table for best file encryption software has all 10 products.
Alternatives to BitLocker
All 9 alternatives
Questions about BitLocker
- Is BitLocker free?
- BitLocker can be used without paying: Included with Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is BitLocker open source?
- No. BitLocker is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does BitLocker support?
- BitLocker is available on: Windows.
- What is BitLocker best for?
- Windows Pro users who want built-in disk encryption. In our ranking of file encryption software it is number 6 of 10 with a score of 84.0.
- What are the best alternatives to BitLocker?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, GnuPG, age.
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