Vista Tips - Using BitLocker Drive Encryption with a USB Storage Device

If your computer does not have a compatible TPM chip, you can still use BitLocker Drive Encryption with a USB storage device.

However, Microsoft has recently decided to hide this option from users. A local group policy change must be made to turn this option back on.

1. Click the Start button, type gpedit.msc in the run command or search box, and press Enter.
2. When the Group Policy editor has loaded
   • Navigate through Computer Configuration
   • Administrative Templates
   • Windows Components
   • BitLocker Drive Encryption
   • Right-click Control Panel Setup: Enable advanced startup options and select Properties.
3. Select the Enabled option and click OK.

You can now use a USB storage device with BitLocker Drive encryption again