There's no need to manually unlock your BitLocker drives every time you want to use them. Here's how to set them to automatically unlock on your PC.

Did you know that you can set BitLocker to automatically unlock some of the drives it is used on? This includes removable drives and fixed data drives, just as long as they don't have an OS installed on them.

Here's how you can set up the auto-unlock feature for BitLocker encrypted drives and save yourself some time.

You can tell BitLocker to automatically unlock any drive connected to your PC when you sign in. This handy feature can also unlock a protected flash drive when it is plugged into your personal PC, which strikes a nice balance between security and convenience. Just as long as these drives don't have an operating system installed on them, you should be good to go.

Check out our guide to how BitLocker works to protect your files to learn more about this useful Windows tool.

Usually, when you need to tweak an option within BitLocker, you go through the BitLocker Manager. However, you can only enable BitLocker's auto-unlock via the Control Panel.

The inserted drive will now automatically unlock whenever you are signed in to your Windows PC. To disable auto-unlock for the drive, repeat the process above, and click Turn off auto-unlock.

Using BitLocker isn't the only method you can use to protect your removable drives. Here are a few other ways to protect USB drives with a password.

You can also set auto-unlock for a drive while you are unlocking it. If you're always locking and unlocking your drive, this method should be the most convenient option to take.

You can also enable or disable BitLocker auto-unlock from the Command Prompt. And while knowing how to do this isn't essential, learning how to input commands in Command Prompt is a useful skill.

Both commands will result in a message telling you that auto-unlock is enabled/disabled.

The Command Prompt is a very useful tool. Our guide to some other essential Windows CMD commands will show you just how useful this tool can be.

Using BitLocker to encrypt your fixed and removable drives is a good security measure. But that doesn't mean it isn't annoying to have to enter your password to access them. With auto-unlock set up, you can maintain security, but with less frustration.

Russ has been writing about technology for more than 15 years. He specializes in creating guides that help users get more from their software and devices, but enjoys writing about almost anything. When not working on his next article, he can be found building websites, trying to learn Danish, or relaxing with a true crime book.

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