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Device Encryption is Missing on Windows 11? How to Get it Back
Secure your PC with our quick fixes
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Security remains a vital aspect, given the rise in online and offline threats. To combat the problem, Microsoft introduced Device Encryption, but a few users found that the setting was missing in Windows 11.
The Device Encryption feature encrypts your data and renders it unreadable to unauthorized users or hackers if the device is stolen or hacked. To retrieve it, you will use the provided recovery key. Remember, Device Encryption is available on the Windows 11 Home edition.
Why is Device Encryption missing from Windows 11?
What can I do if device encryption is missing on Windows 11?
Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:
If none work, head to the fixes listed next.
1. Check if your device is compatible (and the reason for incompatibility)
The various messages here mean:
2. Enable Secure Boot
Your primary approach when Device Encryption is missing in Windows 11 should be toenable Secure Boot from within the OSor from the BIOS.
If you get an error code, clear any inconsistencies or reconfigure the BIOS settings. Usually, changing the other suboptions should fix the problem.
3. Enable TPM
A vital requirement for Device Encryption is TPM support. Besides, it’s not just the chip that should be present. You will also need toenable TPM from the BIOS.
4. Switch to an administrator account
5. Reconfigure the local policies
Reconfiguring the dedicated local policies may help when the Windows 11 Device Encryption is not showing. But users running the Home edition of the OS will need to manuallyinstall the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
Alternatives to device encryption on Windows 11
Device Encryption and BitLocker have long been a source of errors, in addition to incompatibility issues. When faced with either of the two, you may download aneffective third-party encryption solution. Here are a few:
These are just as good and employ advanced encryption algorithms to protect your data. Besides, you get access to a wide array of security features.
After you have fixed things and Device Encryption is not missing anymore, enable it fromPrivacy & Securityin Windows 11. Also, you can easily adjust the Device Encryption settings or get a copy of the recovery key.
Remember, even after enabling Device Encryption, you may find theEncrypt contents to secure data option greyed out, but it’s easy to fix with a quick Registry edit.
If you know of other fixes or workarounds, drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:encryption,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
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