In this post, you will learn how to migrate from TrueCrypt to BitLocker. TrueCrypt is a free, open-source disk encryption software available for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Mac, Linux, and Unix. It can create a virtual encrypted disk within a file, encrypt a disk partition, or even encrypt the entire storage device. It was first released in 2004 and was based on the software E4M (encryption for the masses). Its development ceased on May 8, 2014, when Microsoft discontinued support for Windows XP. Windows 8/7/Vista and later versions of Windows include built-in support for encrypted disks and virtual disk images. Other platforms such as macOS offer similar integrated support. Any data encrypted by TrueCrypt should be moved to encrypted disks or virtual disk images supported by your platform. Please see how to change the Visual Studio Code UI language.
BitLocker is a Windows encryption technology that secures your data by encrypting your drive and requiring one or more authentication factors before unlocking it. When Windows detects an unauthorized attempt to access the data, it will request a BitLocker recovery key. You can learn about how to Force BitLocker Recovery mode: How to unlock BitLocker Protected Drive. You may also be interested in learning about the following related posts BitLocker Recovery Mode prompted? Cannot find my BitLocker Recovery Key, Reasons for BitLocker Recovery Mode Prompt
Decrypting System Drive
If you have the system drive encrypted by TrueCrypt, follow the steps below to decrypt it.
Step 1: Start by opening the System menu in TrueCrypt and selecting Permanently Decrypt System Drive
Enabling BitLocker
Note to be able to encrypt drives with BitLocker, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) must be disabled.
To disable TPM, do the following things:
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor:
Step 2 – Open Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives. Edit Require additional authentication at startup policy as shown below:
Step 3: Set the policy to Enabled and make sure Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM is checked, apply it and click on Ok
Encrypting Drive with BitLocker
To encrypt a system drive with BitLocker, take the following steps:
Step 1: To encrypt the drive with BitLocker, open the Explorer and click right-click on the drive you want to encrypt and then select Turn on BitLocker
Step 2: Wait for BitLocker to verify your PC to ensure that it meets the requirements.
The steps it will take BitLocker to encrypt your drive are preparing your drive for BitLocker and Encrypting the drive.
Step 3: Select how you want to BitLocker to Encrypt your drive:
Step 4: Define a password for your BitLocker
Step 5: Preparing Drive for BitLocker
Step 6: Print the BitLocker recovery key and save it.
Lastly start encrypting the drive
Note BitLocker will restart your computer for the encryption to take effect. When prompted to restart now or later, choose one based on your preference.
After encrypting your drive with BitLocker, the next few things to do is to copy all data from the drive encrypted by TrueCrypt to the drive encrypted by BitLocker.
If you do not have an extra drive, first decrypt the drive encrypted by TrueCrypt. Select the drive in TrueCrypt, open the Volumes menu and select Permanently Decrypt item. Then encrypt the drive by BitLocker as stated above.You can download and install TrueCrypt here. Note using TrueCrypt is not secure. You should download TrueCrypt only if you are migrating data encrypted by TrueCrypt.
In this post, you have learned how to migrate from TrueCrypt to BitLocker. You have also got to know to enable BitLocker for your system.