Windows 10: Bitlocker on USB flash drives

I read through the below tutorial on how to encrypt USB removable data drives.
Turn On or Off BitLocker for Removable Data Drives in Windows 10

However, I just wanted to know if it would be best practice to add the data BEFORE or AFTER encrypting a USB removable drive using the ENTIRE space? I prefer it to use the entire space.

:)

 

BitLocker Save to USB Flash missing?


Hi,

I followed the step by step guide on what Brink wrote up below.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3...-a.html?filter[1]=Security System Tools

However, when turning ON BitLocker to encrypt the OS drive only, and ask me to where to save the recovery key, I get only the Save to File and not the Save to USB Flash. Has MS taken out the Save to USB selection since WIn 10 version 1511?

I followed all the steps and left BitLocker to its default setting (except for encryption method).

I was able to save the recovery key to a file which was my USB flash drive.

 

USB Flash Drive with Bitlocker

I tried to use bitlocker on a USB Flash drive and about half way through we had a power bump and my PC restarted. Now I can't access the drive. I tried to use bitlocker again but right clicking does not offer bitlocker any more. Is the drive toast or can I retrieve the data I had on it?

 

Bitlocker USB

Hi, Margaret.

BitLocker requires you to have a USB key in able to access the information. You can create a USB key by using a blank thumb drive or USB drive formatted to NTFS OR FAT32 and follow these steps:

• Click Start and go to Control Panel.
• Look for System and Security then click it.
• Select BitLocker Drive Encryption.
• Under BitLocker Drive Encryption, click Turn on BitLocker.
• Choose how you want to unlock your drive during startup: Insert a USB flash drive or
  Enter a Password and then click Next.
• On the How Do You Want To Store Your Recovery Key Page, click Save the Recovery Key To A File.
• In the Save BitLocker Recovery Key As dialog box, choose a save location, and then click
  Save.
• You can now print the recovery key if you want to. When you have finished, click
  Next.
• On the Are You Ready To Encrypt This Drive page, click Start Encrypting.

Note: Do not remove the USB flash drive until the encryption process is complete. How long the encryption process takes depends on the size of the drive and other factors.

Get back to us if you need further assistance.