BitLocker Drive Encryption

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista

BitLocker Drive Encryption allows you to encrypt all data stored on the Windows operating system volume and configured data volumes, and by using a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), it can also help ensure the integrity of early startup components. BitLocker was first introduced with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 and subsequently updated with the release of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

For answers to commonly asked questions about BitLocker in Windows 7, see BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows 7: Frequently Asked Questions. If you are troubleshooting error or event messages related to BitLocker, see BitLocker Drive Encryption Events and Errors to help you diagnose and resolve BitLocker issues.

The following table identifies the core documentation available for each version.

Core Documentation

Documentation type Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

Product Evaluation

  • BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows Vista

    An overview of BitLocker in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 highlighting the major features of BitLocker such as full-volume encryption, verification of the integrity of early startup components, a robust recovery mechanism, and support for a secure decommissioning process.

  • BitLocker Drive Encryption Technical Overview

    Describes BitLocker, its implementation details, and the typical life cycle of BitLocker on an enterprise computer.

Getting Started

Design and Deployment

Videos and Webcasts

Additional Resources