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Was device encryption automatically enabled for Windows 10 Home in late 2016?

Anonymous
2020-02-03T00:11:28+00:00

I had my personal laptop (HP OMEN 17-w151nr, purchased November 2016) stolen last fall (September 2019).  It's OS was Windows 10 Home.

I had personally sensitive data on the laptop, and had never manually enabled encryption on the laptop's SSD.  I only recently learned one can encrypt a drive.

 Do you think drive encryption might have been enabled, by default?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-02-03T00:30:56+00:00

    Hi CE. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

    Unfortunately, no. Bitlocker encryption is only Pro version. It is enabled as shown here:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/37060-turn-...

    Full guide here:

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-bitlocke...

    There is Device Encryption in Home version but it also needs enabling as shown here:

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-enable-devic...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-02-03T00:57:47+00:00

    Really sorry you had this happen Keep in mind going forward that Windows has built in Device tracking, but it must be enabled and the PC has to be connected to the internet to track it. See here:

    https://www.howtogeek.com/235083/how-to-track-y...

    Let me know if there's anything else.

    Also when ready please mark the post which helped most as the Answer, to help others. A rating is also appreciated.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-02-03T01:48:54+00:00

    I have enabled device tracking on my new laptop.  Thank you for the advise, and happy palindrome day!

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-02-03T00:45:00+00:00

    Hi Greg,

    Thank you for replying so fast!  Yes, I am aware that BitLocker is only for Windows 10 Pro, I also know that Windows 10 Home has drive encryption functionality.

    I purchased a replacement laptop in November 2019, with Windows 10 Home 64-bit.  I found device encryption was turned on by default, and was hopeful... maybe it was the enabled by default back in November 2016.

    However, I guess I will never be sure!  Thank you again for responding.

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