HomeWinBuzzer NewsWindows 10 19H1 to Switch BitLocker to Software-Based Encryption by Default

Windows 10 19H1 to Switch BitLocker to Software-Based Encryption by Default

With the launch of Windows 10 19H1 this spring, Microsoft will make BitLocker software-based encrypted by default, with an option for hardware-based encryption.

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is ramping up its preparations for 19H1, which will officially launch in April. We already know about new features coming to the platform, but the company has some changes plans for the Windows 10 engine room. Specifically, Microsoft is working on software-based encryption for .

Windows 10 currently uses hardware-based encryption based on the device being used. However, buried in the Windows 10 19H1 previews is a software-based encryption. BitLocker policy has been updated to reflect the change on Insider releases of Windows 10.

The new policy states that “if you do not configure this policy setting, BitLocker will use software-based encryption.” In other words, if you do not specifically instruct BitLocker to use hardware-based encryption, it won't.

Perhaps Microsoft has moved down this route due to a recently discovered hardware encryption flaw discovered in some SSD models. A vulnerability affecting hardware-based encryption on solid state drives (SSDs) was discovered in November.

Hackers could access the drive and transfer data without needing password authentication. Microsoft said users should use software-based encryption to avoid future issues:

“Microsoft is aware of reports of vulnerabilities in the hardware encryption of certain self-encrypting drives (SEDs). Customers concerned about this issue should consider using the software only encryption provided by BitLocker Drive Encryption. On Windows computers with self-encrypting drives, BitLocker Drive Encryption manages encryption and will use hardware encryption by default,” the software giant said at that time.

BitLocker Issues

Not that BitLocker is immune to problems. Just last week we discussed an ongoing problems with BitLocker on Lenovo's IdeaPad 300S. Users say after new updates, the BitLocker keeps throwing blue screen of death (BSOD) errors at them. The machine then asks for the recovery key even if they user has never set one.

Microsoft insists this is a hardware problem with the IdeaPad 100S and maybe other PCs in the series.

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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