Implementing Disk Encryption with BitLocker
When to Use
Use this skill when:
- Encrypting Windows endpoints to protect data at rest for compliance (PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR)
- Deploying BitLocker across enterprise fleet via Intune, SCCM, or GPO
- Configuring TPM-based encryption with PIN or USB startup key for enhanced security
- Managing BitLocker recovery keys in Active Directory or Azure AD
Do not use this skill for Linux disk encryption (use LUKS/dm-crypt) or macOS (use FileVault).
Prerequisites
- Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition
- TPM 2.0 chip (recommended; TPM 1.2 supported with limitations)
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled (recommended)
- Separate system partition (200 MB minimum, created automatically by Windows installer)
- Active Directory or Azure AD for recovery key escrow
Workflow
Step 1: Verify TPM and System Requirements
# Check TPM status
Get-Tpm
# ManufacturerId, ManufacturerVersion, TpmPresent, TpmReady, TpmEnabled
# Check TPM version (2.0 required for best compatibility)
(Get-WmiObject -Namespace "root\cimv2\security\microsofttpm" -Class Win32_Tpm).SpecVersion
# Check UEFI/Secure Boot
Confirm-Secur…
