This guide demonstrates how to configure Microsoft Bitlocker disk encryption on an external drive using Microsoft Windows 10.
Determine which version of Microsoft Windows is in use. Press the Windows search button and type: powershell
Choose the PowerShell application.
In PowerShell type: Type: [System.Environment]::OSVersion.Version
Open Control Panel: right-click on Windows button, choose Control Panel
In Control Panel upper-right search box, type: group policy
Choose: Edit group policy
For those who watch the Windows error log, the BitLocker Event IDs are described here. The Event IDs are 24577 - 24621.
In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to Navigate to: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\BitLocker Drive Encryption
To change the default drive encryption of 128-bit to 256-bit, edit the entry: Choose drive encryption method and cipher strength
To turn on drive encryption, go to Windows Explorer and right-click on the drive. Select Turn on BitLocker
The drive will be set up for encryption.
Choose a password.
It may be good to print a recovery key. Place the printed key offsite in a secure location.
The process of encrypting the drive will begin. Existing data is maintained, so the encryption process may take a day or more.
After the drive is encrypted, test unlocking the drive. This is a good time to restart the PC, then go to Windows Explorer and note the yellow icon on the drive letter. Right-click the drive and choose: Unlock Drive...
Enter the drive password.
This shows Computer Management with the drive designated as "BitLocker Encrypted".