A flash drive is a convenient way to store information. The flash drive stores gigabytes of information: personal photos and videos, work data, useful utilities. But there is one drawback: a flash drive the size of a lighter is easy to lose. To prevent information from ending up in the wrong hands and being used by criminals, it is necessary to ensure the protection of personal data.
Setting access to information using a password
Reliable protection is installed on a USB flash drive in two ways. The first option is to use the built-in Bitlocker program. It is available to users of the Windows 7, 8 operating system. In the Bitlocker application, the developers used a simple interface. The program encrypts information on a logical drive or flash drive. You can't set a password for an individual folder using Bitlocker.
The second method: use third-party programs to protect personal files. There is a lot of such software. A set of program capabilities will help limit access to both the media and a separate folder on a USB flash drive or logical drive.
Protecting a flash drive in Windows
If the personal computer has Windows 7 Ultimate, Enterprise or Windows 8 editions and higher, then the user has access to the built-in Bitlocker data encryption application. By following simple steps, we will get password-protected access to the data drive.
Step-by-step instructions for protecting information on a flash drive:
- We connect the flash drive to the computer.
- Open the “My Computer” folder and right-click on the flash drive icon.
- Select Bitlocker from the context menu.
- In the new window, check the box “Use a password to unlock the flash drive.” We come up with a strong password and enter it in the window provided. Click the “Next” button.
- In the next step, Bitlocker offers to create a special key. It will help restore access to information if the user suddenly forgets the password he created. This key is printed on a printer or saved on a local disk. The decision is up to the user.
- We choose which part of the drive will be protected. If the data is very important, then it is better to choose the full encryption option.
- We wait for the end of encryption of information and click the “Close” button.
- Checking the security installation. We take out and reinsert the flash drive. In the “My Computer” folder, a “lock” icon should appear next to the flash drive icon. It means that protection is installed and access to data is only with a password.
This is what a local disk protected by bitlocker looks like Free data protection programs
Software products are available to users via the Internet. They will help protect personal data. Three popular freeware programs are described below.
TrueCrypt
The TrueCrypt program ranks first in popularity among users. She's reliable. The complex interface is the main drawback of the program. To understand the intricacies of TrueCrypt, you will have to spend time. The program can encrypt a separate folder on a flash drive or an entire logical drive.
Rohos Mini Drive
The developers of Rohos Mini Drive sought to create a functional application in a small size, and they succeeded. The free version of the program does not require administrator rights, but is not capable of encrypting a flash drive with a capacity larger than 2 Gb. Rohos Mini Drive creates a secret sector up to 2 gigabytes in size (i.e., for example, a 16 GB flash drive is enough for you). To access the information posted there, a password is required. The program uses a strong AES encryption algorithm with a 256-bit key.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) – symmetric block encryption algorithm (block size 128 bits, key 128/192/256 bits). The United States government has adopted it as an encryption standard.
MyFolder
The MyFolder program helps you protect a folder on your local drive or USB drive with a clear menu. To open such a folder, you must enter a password. MyFolder encrypts at high speed, but uses the weak Blowfish algorithm. Also, the program does not work under a 64-bit operating system.
Blowfish is a cryptographic algorithm that implements block symmetric encryption with a variable key length. Developed by Bruce Schneier in 1993.
Setting a password for a separate folder
In some cases, it becomes necessary to set a password for a folder with files on a flash drive. Special programs will help you easily and quickly protect personal information.
One of them is Anvide Lock Folder. The software has the following advantages:
After downloading, Anvide Lock Folder is ready to use. The interface is simple and clear. In the program window, specify a folder on a flash drive or personal computer and press the button with a closed lock icon. Enter the password, and the folder is password-protected. It can be accessed through the program. Anvide Lock Folder itself can be protected with an additional password.
Setting a password on a flash drive without a program
Manufacturers of Flash drives offer the use of hardware information protection. To use data encryption from the manufacturer, you must activate it the first time you use it. A password is set on the flash drive. It must contain letters, numbers and special characters.
USB Flash drive in the form of a keychain from Toshiba in an aluminum case with buttons for entering a password A password longer than 8 characters is considered good. It should not be forgotten. It is impossible to restore access or change the secret word in 99% of cases. Without a secret word, it will not be possible to format a flash drive.
Ways to restore access to a flash drive
What if you forgot your password? There are hundreds of programs on the Internet that shout about their capabilities, but their effectiveness is questionable. The second option: look for a neighbor hacker who can remove or crack the password. Remember: using special software is fraught with unpredictable consequences. Viruses and malware can get onto your personal computer. Therefore, it is better to come up with a good password that will not be forgotten, or never use a password.
Users often use a storage device in the form of a MicroSD memory card. They are used in mobile phones, tablets and cameras. MicroSD is often protected with a password. It is installed through the menu of the electronic gadget. When you reinsert the memory card into another phone or camera, you will need a password. If you forget it, then it is impossible to restore access to the flash drive without losing data on the MicroSD.
The online store sells a device for resetting a password on a MicroSD memory card Nowadays, online stores sell devices called unlockers. They cost about $10–20. Using an unlocker, the protection is removed and the memory card is formatted. The data will be lost forever, but the MicroSD will remain at the owner's disposal. If you do not want to buy a device, then contact a specialized service. Unlocking services are offered by companies that repair mobile phones and computers.
Keep personal files locked. This also applies to data recorded on a USB flash drive. It is especially easy to lose a micro SD flash drive due to its small size.
Summarize. Choose security password. Remember the secret word. Having memory problems? Then it’s better not to set a password. There will be considerable pain in restoring access; it is unlikely that you will be able to remove the password yourself without losing data, and the results of using cracking programs are not always positive.
Many companies, including Sony and Adobe, have already become victims of hackers who have stolen millions of passwords and other user data. Analysis of this information showed that many users often use either weak passwords like “123456” or the same password for many services. This makes it extremely easy for hackers to do their job, and at the same time, such carelessness is understandable: who is able to remember more than a dozen complex passwords?
A simple solution could be a piece of paper taped under the keyboard. Not a single hacker will be able to encroach on it, but you will have to constantly monitor the people near your computer. And this sheet is of no use if you want to log into your account from someone else’s computer.
The free KeePass 2 Portable tool solves this dilemma. For it to work, you only need a USB flash drive with 10 MB of free space on which you will install the supporting program. In the future, you will only need to remember one password - for the protected area of the flash drive. After all, in it KeePass stores login data for your web services in the form of an encrypted data bank, protected by a master password.
Trojans that steal passwords will not be able to sniff out anything. And because you no longer have to remember dozens of passwords, you can use a new, truly strong password for each web service. Now we will tell you in detail how to use KeePass.
How to do it
1 Install a password safe
Install a password safe
Insert the USB flash drive into the PC, create a new folder on it and copy the contents of the archive with the KeePass software there. Run the KeePass.exe program. After launch, activate the automatic search for updates by clicking “Enable” in the pop-up window. Then select "View | Change Language" and click "Get more languages".
Download the Russian language file from the site that opens by clicking on “Russian | 2.25+". Unzip the contents of the archive to a USB drive. Click on “View | Change Language", select "Russian" and restart KeePass by clicking the "Yes" button.
2 Create a new password database
Create a new password database
Select File | New" and specify a USB drive as the password storage. In the next window, the program will prompt you to set the main password. You will need to enter it every time you start KeePass.
3 Activate Protected Mode
Activate Protected Mode
To prevent the Trojan from reading your password for KeePass, you should use the program’s protected mode to enter it, similar to UAC in Windows 7. To do this, in KeePass, go to “Tools | Settings | Security", move to the very bottom of the window and check the box next to "Enter the main password in secure mode".
4 Fill the database with passwords
Fill the database with passwords
KeePass can sort passwords into groups. By default, your new password bank has groups such as "OS" or "Internet". To create a new entry, select the appropriate group (or create a new one), right-click on the white area on the right and then click “Add entry”.
Fill in all fields and click OK. Since you no longer need to remember passwords to log into each account, you can set new, more complex ones, which can be generated, for example, on the website passwort-generator.com.
5 Use automatic authorization
If you want to log into the service using KeePass, open the group in which the corresponding password is stored. Right-click on the corresponding entry in the KeePass password store and select “Start Autodialing” from the drop-down list. After this, the program will transfer your data to the browser, and the browser will open a new window where you will log into your account.
Please note that in the “URL” field you must enter the URL that you usually enter in the browser for authorization, otherwise automatic password entry via KeePass will not work.
6 Expand your KeePass capabilities
Expand your KeePass capabilities
If you want to expand the functionality of KeePass, go to “Tools | Modules | More modules”, after which you will be redirected to a site with useful extensions (you will find our recommendations in the table above). Now click on the name of the plugin to download it and unzip it to a flash drive.
Launch KeePass again and go to “Tools | Modules". A list of available plugins will be displayed at the bottom (some of them can be customized).
The best extensions for KeePass
Provide your password safe with additional functions, such as backup or password transfer for mobile phones.
Name |
Description |
| DataBaseBackup | Sets password bank protection in case the USB drive is stolen or lost. |
| Twofish Cipher | |
| KeeAgent | Adds an encoding algorithm that is almost impossible to crack; Please note that this will make KeePass work slower. |
| KeyExchanger | Adds an encoding algorithm that is almost impossible to crack; Please note that this will make KeePass work slower. |
| KeeForm | Opens your favorite sites at the touch of a button and automatically fills in your login information. |
There is no need to explain that personal data or files stored on USB drives should sometimes be kept under lock and key. In this regard, many users have a logical question about how to password-protect a flash drive, and in such a way that even an experienced hacker cannot get to the information. To perform such operations, there are several basic methods, which will be discussed further.
How to password protect a flash drive: main directions of action
When it comes to blocking access to information on a USB drive, several main priorities can be identified in modern technologies. For example, you can set an access password to the device itself (hardware or software) or encrypt files.
Of course, if the user initially purchases a device that is already equipped with a special hardware protection system, you can immediately set an access code that will need to be entered when trying to view or open information. But such devices are not cheap, so further we will consider exclusively software methods that allow you to protect information on regular Flash drives.
Protection of office and other documents
The question of how to password protect a flash drive without programs (meaning specialized utilities), which interests most modern users, in the simplest case can be partially resolved by installing protection on office documents when saving them or on other files.
In the first case, when using applications like World or Excel, in the file menu when saving, you can use the service section, where you select the options menu, and then go to the security tab. Here you can enter a password, and then save the file on removable media or copy it there later.
In the case of operations with other files, the security issue is resolved using a small program Anvide Lock Folder, which can set passwords for individual files and folders. It is small in size and has a user-friendly interface, making it an ideal tool for all novice users.
Setting passwords for archives
An equally simple method in the question of how to password-protect a flash drive, which helps to obtain a partial solution to a more general problem, is storing data in a packaged archive form.
When creating them, any modern archiver allows you to set a security code or any other combination that will be required when trying to unpack the desired archive. Of course, the question of how to open a password-protected flash drive in this way can be solved quite simply (if you use password guessing utilities or view the contents of the archive in some editors). However, such actions are not considered for obvious reasons.
Using the BitLocker utility
Now let's move directly to the main problem of how to password-protect a flash drive (namely the device itself, and not the files on it). Owners of versions of Windows version seven, in particular the Enterprise and Ultimate modifications, or systems of a higher rank, are incredibly lucky. The operating system itself has a built-in tool called BitLocker.
To carry out the necessary actions, insert the flash drive into the appropriate port of the computer or laptop, then in Explorer, right-click on the device and select the BitLocker line. In the new window, check the box for using a password to unlock it and enter the combination you created. Next, the application will create a special key in case the user forgets his password, which can be saved on a hard drive or printed on a printer. After this, select the part that needs to be encrypted (it is better to use the full encryption method), and activate the start of the process. When finished, an image of a lock will appear in the file manager on the device.
A program to password protect a flash drive, Rohos Mini Drive
One of the most advanced utilities of this type is the Rohos Mini Drive program. The principle of its operation is that it does not encrypt the entire device, but, as it were, creates a kind of secret section on it, in which the encrypted data will be located. Unfortunately, it also has some limitations due to the fact that a drive with a capacity of more than 2 GB cannot be encrypted, but it is possible to create a partition of such a volume.
Everything is simple here. We install and run the program, after which, with a flash drive inserted into the port, select the creation of an encrypted USB drive, then enter the password and indicate the size of the encrypted partition, after which we press the button to start the encryption process.
TrueCrypt, MyFolder and USB Safeguard applications
There are many more programs for protecting USB drives programmatically. For example, the USB Safeguard application is installed directly on the storage medium, but the free version has a capacity limit of 2 GB. Therefore, to fully encrypt devices with large volumes, you need to use a paid modification.
In addition, the utility is installed exclusively in the NTFS file system, so if the flash drive has FAT32, it will have to be reformatted (the program itself will inform you about the need for such actions).
The other two applications also look quite interesting, but TrueCrypt has a rather complex interface that an untrained user may not understand the first time, but it is stable and reliable in terms of encryption. The second utility is very simple, but it encrypts only individual objects and uses the Blowfish block encryption algorithm with a variable key length, which is questionable in terms of reliability.
Using passwords for removable memory cards on mobile devices
Finally, a few words about how to password-protect a flash drive on Android. There are several ways here. For example, you can use the methods described above when connecting an SD card to a computer.
However, such actions can also be performed through the menu of the mobile devices themselves (some Samsung models have this function, and you can find it through location and security in the personal data storage section, where the access combination is set). If, after encryption, the question arises of how to open a password-protected Micro-SD flash drive on another device, there will be nothing left but to enter the password, since the information on it simply will not be visible.
On the other hand, this feature is not available on all gadgets, so it is better to use third-party software. The crux of the matter here is that you won’t be able to open the device even if you have a valid password without installing a decryptor.
Password recovery
Finally, let’s look at another burning issue related to recovering passwords used to protect removable media. In the simplest case, in order to gain free access to the device, you can format it, but in this case all data will be lost. Naturally, if you use programs like R.Saver, you can restore information, but the process will take a long time.
To protect yourself from such situations, even if you lose your password, you can use recovery keys similar to those provided in the BitLocker program.
True, some workshops involved in the repair of mobile equipment offer such services, and use special devices called unlockers as tools. This is a device, not a program, and it costs about 10-20 US dollars. But, just like software interference, the use of unlockers is fraught with completely unpredictable consequences. By the way, using applications to select passwords and combinations is also not recommended.
They will help you with this. With their help, you can store several Windows passwords and encrypted Rohos disks on 1 USB flash drive.
And since an encrypted Rohos Disk is capable of encrypting FireFox, Skype, Chrome and other programs, it turns out that this password also protects these programs. As a result, passwords from many systems are stored on your favorite USB flash drive.
Storing passwords on a USB flash drive.
Let's assume that you have a USB flash drive that you use to store and transfer information. Then, when setting it up as a key to access Rohos Disk, or to log into Windows Rohos Logon will write down its service information on it, which will then be used to recover the password and identify the owner of the flash drive as the owner of the Encrypted Disk and account.
Service information of the Rohos program takes 5-10 KB. places, i.e. will not affect the functionality of your flash drive as a means of transferring and storing information.
The USB flash drive stores cryptographic keys on which the password to Windows and the Rohos disk is encrypted. In turn, these passwords are stored in encrypted form in the registry.
Logging into Windows using a USB key(USB flash drive).
Using the program, you can experience the convenience of using a USB flash drive as a key to log into Windows and to access an Encrypted Disk.
The Rohos program itself will configure the USB Key, which does not contain the password for your disk itself, but only service information about it, which is necessary for the Rohos program installed on your computer to identify you as the owner of the account and disk. That is, if you suddenly lost your USB flash drive, then the only option for an attacker to use your encrypted disk is to sit down with your flash drive at your computer.
USB flash drive setup wizard for identification
(password storage) to the disk and Windows.
So, from a USB flash drive:
- You don't need to remember the password for your encrypted drive and Windows account
- The program itself takes care of creating its own service file on your USB flash drive
- Your information is safe because the passwords themselves are not contained on the USB flash drive
- You can continue to use your USB flash drive to store and transfer information.
Special Benefits:
- Quick login to Windows. You do not have to manually enter your password using the keyboard, although the system is still password protected.
- Automatic Console Protection - if you step away from your computer. When the USB key is disconnected, Windows is automatically locked. We returned, connected the USB key to the computer, and you were back to work.
- Additional protection of the USB key with a PIN code. For greater security, you can replace your password with a small and easy to remember PIN code. Read more about this.
- The versatility of the USB key. One USB key can be used to access your home computer and to access your work laptop. Although the passwords may be different.
If you use a PIN code, then there is no need to constantly re-connect the USB key to unlock Windows. To lock, press Win+L (or create a shortcut if you have Windows 2000) - to remove the lock, click on the inscription “computer is locked” (in the Windows lock window).
The principle of operation of a USB key.
When you turn on your computer, you connect a USB flash drive for authentication.
The Rohos Welcome window (Windows logon) detects the USB Key and prompts you to log in (authentication and user identification is performed using the USB key).
You can configure Rohos Logon so that when you disconnect the USB key:
- Lock or turn off your computer
- Perform logoff (LogOff)
- Launch protected screen saver
- Turn off Rohos disk
Using a USB flash drive as a Key to access a computer does not cancel its main use - for storing and transferring files (although this can be prohibited).
USB flash drive and security.
You ask: “If someone took (stole) a flash drive from me, does he have access to Windows?”
— In this case, you can protect the USB key PIN code(password) so that no one can use the USB flash drive to log into Windows in your absence.
— A USB key cannot be duplicated by simply copying files to another USB drive.
— By default, the USB key does not contain a password in clear text.
— By default, the USB Key is tied to the specific computer where it was created. A USB key configured on another computer (even with the same login\password\computer name) cannot be used to access your computer.
Protection against unauthorized use of a USB key. Characteristics of the PIN code for a USB flash drive in Rohos Logon:
- Separate on-screen keyboard for entering PIN code
- Three incorrect attempts to enter the PIN and the USB key is blocked
- You can unlock the USB key in the Rohos Logon window
- If I'm lost(stolen, damaged) flash drive, then all my “secret” disks are covered? How to open it now?
— To do this, you must first create a recovery file
password to the Rohos disk (backup copies of cryptographic keys from Rohos
disk).
- Many users often ask us, Is it possible to bypass USB key protection when booting Windows via Safe Mode(failsafe mode).
«- Otherwise, the protection of your account and the computer as a whole will be incomplete - if you can boot the PC into Safe Mode and log in using a regular password, bypassing the USB key...»
— Answer: NO. Starting from version 2.1, Rohos Logon Key works even in Safe mode.
Password protection of USB flash drive .
What if a USB flash drive was made not only a key, but also a safe for storing your information? We will answer: “Easy”! And we won’t exaggerate at all when we say that this is one of the most popular functions.
Users often wonder how to safely store and transfer data on a USB flash drive in a confidential manner. Or how to set a password on a USB flash drive. Imagine that you forgot your flash drive at the office or at a party, your information will remain hidden for others. You can protect your USB flash drive with a password.
is a free utility that will help you set a password on a USB flash drive and also securely encrypt it.
Advantages of encryption with Rohos Mini Drive:
- Rohos Disk creates an encrypted partition on a USB drive, protected by a password.
- Encryption occurs on the fly; working with protected files and folders is as easy as with a regular disk.
- The virtual keyboard will protect you from keyloggers. Your password will remain with you.
- Portability of encrypted data – Rohos disk can be accessed on any computer.
- Portable utility Rohos Mini Drive Portble - does not require installation and works from a USB drive.
Many of us have had to store our family photos and other valuable files on a flash drive. It is not uncommon for such incidents to happen when the carrier is lost and falls into the wrong hands. Therefore, in order to protect their data from prying eyes, every user simply needs to know how to put a password on a flash drive.
There are at least three ways to protect information on a flash drive:
- Standard operating system tools.
- Using third-party applications (utilities).
- The hardware of the device itself.
Let's take a closer look at each of the methods.
Standard OS tools
Of the standard tools in practice, only two simple, proven methods of protecting data on a flash drive are most often used.
- Password-protected archive
- BitLocker utility
Password-protected archive
If the data on the flash drive does not have a large volume, then it is quite possible to protect it with a password, having previously archived it. The standard WinRAR archiver is perfect for this.
Having selected a folder for packaging, we carry out the archiving process. After completing the process, you need to go to the menu by tabs: Advanced – Set password.
When the password is entered and the appropriate checkbox is set, all that remains is to click on the OK button.
Please note that you can only set a password for the winrar archive during the archiving process. That is, it is not possible to set a password on a finished archive.
You can find more detailed information about the procedure for setting a password on our website in the article:
Using BitLocker Windows
The BitLocker Windows program has been an integral part of the Windows operating system since Windows 7. Moreover, BitLocker is built into the Ultimate and Enterprise versions, as well as in Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10. Unfortunately, the BitLocker utility is not available in home versions of Windows.
Once you make sure that BitLocker is on your system, setting a password on the flash drive will be very simple:
- Just right-click on it and select the item in the context menu that appears "Enable BitLocker".
- Next, check the box next to “Use a password to unlock the disk” and enter the password twice.
Please note that the password must be at least 8 characters long
- Next, you need to save to a file or print the recovery key, which you will need if you decide to change your password.
- After saving the key, you can click “Next” and begin encryption.
- Click “Start encryption” and wait for the operation to complete.
If you want to pause the process, you can use the “Pause” button.
This completes the process of setting a password on the flash drive. Now, when you insert a flash drive into the device, you will be asked to enter a password to unlock it.
Third Party Applications
Programmers have released many different programs that allow you to organize high-quality data protection on flash drives. Here are just a few of them:
Rohos Mini Drive
Using this compact and free utility, you can effectively password protect a specific partition on your drive. Alas, it is impossible to “lock” the entire drive with its help. A special feature of this utility is that it creates a special partition on the flash drive where it writes protected data. The free version of Rohos Mini Drive can work with 8 gigabytes of information.
- After starting the program, click "Encrypt USB drive"
- Rohos Mini Drive independently identifies the flash drive. Select an item: "Disk Options".
- Next, set the drive size and letter. It is better to choose a file system like a flash drive. Press OK to confirm your selections.
- At this stage, enter the password twice and click “Create Disk”.
- Now a password-protected sector will appear on your flash drive. To gain access to this sector you need to run one of the files: run the file "Rohos mini.exe" if the utility is installed on this computer or "Rohos Disk Portable.exe" if this utility is not on your computer.
- After starting the program, all you have to do is enter your password and press "OK".
- The protected drive will appear in the list of hard drives. You can transfer your most valuable data to it.
To hide our secret drive (in our example, drive R), we find the Rohos program icon in the tray, right-click on it and turn off the drive.
To protect yourself in case you forget your password, we recommend creating a password reset file. To do this you need to do the following:
- Open the Rohos disk and select "Create a backup".
- Select an item "Password reset file".
- Next, in the window that opens, enter the password that you created when creating the disk, click "Create file" and choose a location to save it on your computer.
USB Flash Security
Another free program, easy to learn, with a minimum number of settings. However, it allows you to effectively protect data on a flash drive using a password.
To download this utility, go to the website: and download the program by clicking on the button: “Download Free edition (up to 4GB,v4.1.13.19)”
After launching, the program itself will determine the capacity of the flash drive, its size and file system. All you have to do is press the button "Install"
Next, a warning will appear that during the operation on the flash drive, all data will be destroyed, so transfer it to your computer in advance. Of course, this will create certain inconveniences when working with a flash drive, but this is the peculiarity of this program.
A window will appear again warning you that the disk will be formatted and all data will be deleted. You need to check the box and press the button "Begin the installation".
Now your flash drive will be displayed in the section: “Devices with removable media”
When you open the flash drive, you will find the file “UsbEnter.exe” that you need to run.
In the window that appears, you need to enter your password and click “OK.”
Now your flash drive has acquired secret status, and you can transfer the corresponding files to it.
Hardware protection
There are flash drive models that are equipped with their own password encryption devices. Directly on the body of such devices there are control keys, with which you can set the desired password.
The cost of such devices, of course, is quite high. But sometimes the value of data significantly exceeds the cost of the drive on which it is recorded. Depending on the drive model and settings, data may be immediately erased through formatting if an attempt is made to gain unauthorized access to it.
Summary
What conclusion did I come to after testing all of the above methods for setting a password on a flash drive? Of the utilities, in my opinion, Rohos Mini Drive performed better. Reliable program. The distribution can be easily downloaded from the developer's website. Suitable for all versions of Windows, including home ones. If you suddenly decide not to use Rohos Mini Drive anymore, the system will allow you to safely remove it.
In this review I wanted to look at another, once very popular disk encryption program, TrueCrypt. Unfortunately, the creators of the program announced in May 2014 that they could not guarantee security when using the application and recommended switching to BitLocker.
Therefore, based on the above, a simple conclusion arises. We use the Rohos Mini Drive utility if you have a home version of Windows, or the BitLocker program if your computer has a more advanced system installed and you don’t want to bother installing additional utilities.