BitLocker, a full-volume encryption software for Microsoft Windows, is missing in Windows 10 Home edition. It seems that you don't want to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro but want to find an alternative to BitLocker on Windows 10 Home to encrypt the disk. Of course, there are some alternatives to BitLocker.
VeraCrypt, a free open-source disk encryption software to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux should be a good alternative to BitLocker on Windows 10 Home. Its main functions are as follows:
- Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
- Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as an external hard drive or a USB flash drive.
- Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).
- Encryption is automatic, real-time(on-the-fly), and transparent.
- Allows data to be read and written as fast as if the drive was not encrypted.
Just like traditional open-source software, VeraCrypt has an outdated UI and is not easy to handle. If what you are looking for is only to enable BitLocker on Windows 10 Home, then, there is another option for you.
M3 BitLocker Loader for Windows is able to create an encrypted container that is compatible with BitLocker Drive Encryption so that the hard drive, external hard drive, USB drive, flash drive, SD card, etc. is protected by BitLocker in Windows 11/10/8/7 Home edition and Windows 7 Professional edition.
To encrypt a hard drive on Windows 10 Home, simply do the following:
Step 1: Download, install and launch M3 BitLocker Loader for Windows on Windows 10 Home edition.
Step 2: Connect your hard drive to your PC and select it in M3 BitLocker Loader for Windows. Click Encrypt button located at the right of the partition.
Step 3: Enter the password, click Next, and then SAVE THE RECOVERY KEY. The recovery key is very important and can be used to unlock the BitLocker encrypted drive even if you forgot the password.
Step 4: Click Next to start BitLocker drive encryption. The encryption process will take a long time to finish depending on the size of the disk, so please wait patiently and don't disconnect the drive.