Windows 11 HOME, Bitlocker, can it be set to require PIN to unlock bitlocker

Question

to all
Windows 11 HOME, and DISK ENCRYPTION. it APPEARS that it is actually BITLOCKER. See attached, in gpedit.msc, and manage-BDE, all the references are the SAME as in Windows 10 PRO bitlocker, and it appears that all the same POLICIES can be configured.

I have a windows 11 HOME new laptop. I would LIKE it to actually start like my windows 10 PRO machine, where the BITLOCKER UNLOCK SCREEN comes up when machine is turned on, to requre/enter a PIN, and it THEN goes to the normal microsoft USERS screen for username and PIN/PASSWORD.

IS THIS POSSIBLE to do; i do not want to create a BRICK out of my laptop.
this question is beyond a beginner reply, unless you have actually TRIED this yourself. I am requesting a reply from someone who has WORKED with bitlocker and might be able to answer this.
I appreciate any feedback.
thanks
nick

Answer 1

Plain and simple: there is no way to create a Bitlocker PIN protector on windows 10 Home.

You can use Bitlocker on home without a PIN (same functionality as device encryption), you can even use it with a password, when you start bitlocker from another system (as in Windows2Go), but you cannot use it with a PIN since that will run against a wall ("not supported with this SKU").

Answer 2

so if i did the manage-bde, and set it for PIN-and-TPM, it would generate an error?

I have bitlocker enabled.

BUT, being that this is a laptop, and i might carry it out of the house (and even if IN tghe house), i want as much security on the machine as possible.

NOW, i have been reading for windows 11 home, how the username/pin/password login security has been beefed up against brute force attacks, etc, by having 2-second delays between atempts, and also after so many failed attempts it forces a restart.
BUT, any documentation on this is sparse. to me, bitlocker even with TPM is useless if the machine has booted up to the login screen, for username/pin/password, because then bitlocker is unlocked and data is accessible.

BUT, per the few reveiw's i found, somebody can't BOOT from a usb stick, or other device, to have bitlocker unlock, so that is SOME protection.

I am just looking to see how well the combination of disk-encryption-plus w11-home-plus-TPM actually protects a wayward laptop, or even a desktop.

and thanks for reply and any other info that you may have ! :-)