Turning BitLocker on without Intune license

Hello Bozhidar Stoyanov,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Here are the answers for your references.

Do you have any suggestions or things to keep in mind before starting this?

A1:

1. Backup Your Data:

Create a complete backup of your important files (or even a OS) before enabling encryption.

2. TPM Considerations:

BitLocker often relies on a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for secure key storage. Make sure your computer has a TPM (typically TPM 1.2 or later versions) and that it’s enabled and configured in your BIOS/UEFI.

3. Recovery Key Management:

When you enable BitLocker, you’ll be asked to back up your recovery key. Store it in a secure, separate location so that you can regain access to your data if something goes wrong.

Find your BitLocker recovery key

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6

4. System Updates and Firmware:

Ensure that your operating system, drivers, and BIOS/UEFI firmware are up to date.

5. Understand the Impact on Performance and Maintenance:

Encryption Overhead: Although modern systems handle encryption efficiently, there might be a slight performance impact on older hardware.

Software and Hardware Changes:

Changing hardware components or updating firmware might sometimes trigger BitLocker recovery mode. Be sure you understand how to suspend BitLocker before making significant system changes. 6. Group Policy and Enterprise Considerations:

If you are in a managed IT environment, check with your system administrator on any policies or requirements that must be followed when enabling BitLocker.

7. Full vs. Partial Drive Encryption:

Decide if you want to encrypt the whole drive or just the used disk space. Full encryption might take longer but ensures that even deleted files and free space are encrypted.

8. Understand Recovery Process:

Familiarize yourself with the BitLocker recovery process so that if you ever need to use the recovery key, you’ll know how to do so without confusion.

Is there a way to push it to all devices with the current subscription we have?

A2: If you’re in an on-premises environment or hybrid setup, you may be able to push BitLocker settings via Group Policy. Group Policy option can be used for devices that are joined to an Active Directory domain and aren't managed by a device management solution.

How would that work?

A3: You can configure Bitlocker based on the steps in the link below (If the settings are available in your environment.).

Configure BitLocker

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/configure?tabs=common

When will it ask for the recovery key?

A4: A BitLocker recovery key is needed when BitLocker can’t automatically unlock an encrypted drive in Windows. This key, which is a 48-digit number, is used to regain access to the drive.

Recovery key: an encryption key stored on removable media that can be used for recovering data encrypted on a BitLocker volume. The file name has a format of <protector_id>.bek. For the OS drive, the recovery key can be used to gain access to the device if BitLocker detects a condition that prevents it from unlocking the drive when the device is starting up. A recovery key can also be used to gain access to fixed data drives and removable drives that are encrypted with BitLocker, if for some reason the password is forgotten, or the device can't access the drive.

Find your BitLocker recovery key

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6

BitLocker recovery overview

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/recovery-overview

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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