If you buy a Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 for business, it comes equipped with Dell Data Protection Encryption. If you buy one for home and opt for Windows 10 Pro instead of Home, you can utilize BitLocker. If you have Windows 10 Home, you need to buy third-party encryption. This Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 encryption guide provides a broad outline of each option.
As the majority of readers of this guide will be Windows Pro home users, I will spend more time on BitLocker.
Dell Data Protection l Encryption
Buying a Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 for work entitles you to a copy of Dell Data Protection l Encryption a whole disk encryption system. The system works with both Windows and Linux and is tied to the device and user rather than the operating system. It needs to be configured when you first start the device and can be centrally managed by an IT team or administrator.
Windows Pro BitLocker
For home users, BitLocker will be your go-to choice for encrypting your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1. As the XPS has a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), encryption can be implemented right away.
1. Type or paste ‘bitlocker’ into the Cortana/Search Windows box and hit Enter.
2. Wait for BitLocker to load and select Turn on BitLocker.
3. Wait for the systems check to complete and Windows will show you a screen telling you it needs to reboot to turn on TPM and encrypt the device. Allow it to do so.
4. Confirm the change if prompted once the computer reboots. It will reboot again and should load directly into the Windows Desktop. You should then see a window telling you BitLocker Drive Encryption is almost ready and that TPM was turned on.
5. Enter a password when prompted. This will be to decrypt the drive so make it a good one.
6. Save the provided recovery key somewhere very safe. Preferably with your Windows account and manually somewhere else.
7. Select Next.
8. Now Select to encrypt only the free space or the entire drive. Select the entire drive for maximum security. Select Next once done.
9. Select New when asked about the encryption mode and select Continue.
10. Reboot your laptop for the encryption to begin.
Once Windows 10 loads, it will begin encrypting the drive. You can use your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 while it works but response will be slow. Once done, your drive will be fully encrypted.
Windows Home
For some reason, Microsoft didn’t include BitLocker in Windows 10 Home so you will need third party software to make it happen. Check out this review of the best free encryption software as it might help.
It is a good idea to encrypt the hard drive of the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, especially if you take it out and about with you. At least now you know your options!
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