Included with Windows 10 is the ability to encrypt a hard drive so files can’t be accessed by unauthorized users. (This feature goes by various names – such as “Bitlocker” – with slightly different functionality depending on the version of Windows 10.) For some users this is welcome security, particularly on a laptop that may be more susceptible to theft, or for business users who store confidential info. In my experience, however, encryption causes more headaches than it’s worth and generally isn’t necessary for home users. For example, if you lose access to your login account or Windows becomes corrupted, it may be impossible to recover your files if they are encrypted and not backed up elsewhere. To see if your computer is currently encrypting files, click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption. If you don’t see this option then your computer hardware isn’t capable of encryption. Reach out to me if you’d like to discuss if device encryption is right for you.
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