- How to use veracrypt usb how to#
- How to use veracrypt usb windows 10#
- How to use veracrypt usb software#
We’ll be going through the process of creating a normal encrypted system partition here, as that’s what most people will want. If you’re not sure which you want, select “Normal” and continue. A “Hidden” volume only helps if you’re forced to disclose your password to someone and want to maintain plausible deniability about the existence of any other files. In terms of encryption, using “Normal” encryption keeps your files just as secure. If someone is forcing you to provide access to your encrypted drive-due to extortion, for example-you can provide them with the password to the decoy operating system and they shouldn’t be able to tell there’s a hidden operating system at all. When you boot your PC, you can enter the real password to boot your hidden operating system or the password to the decoy operating system to boot the decoy operating system. You’ll have both a “real” operating system, which is hidden, and a “decoy” operating system. The Hidden option creates an operating system in a hidden VeraCrypt volume. No one will be able to access your files without your password. When you boot your computer, you’ll have to provide your encryption password to access it. The Normal option encrypts the system partition or drive normally. You’ll be asked whether you want to use “Normal” or “Hidden” system encryption. Once VeraCrypt is installed, open your Start menu and launch the “VeraCrypt” shortcut.Ĭlick System > Encrypt System Partition/Drive in the VeraCrypt window to get started.
How to use veracrypt usb windows 10#
VeraCrypt has a variety of bug fixes and supports modern PCs with EFI system partitions, a configuration many Windows 10 PCs use. VeraCrypt is a project based on the source code of the old TrueCrypt software, which was discontinued.
VeraCrypt handles the encryption in the background, and everything else happens transparently. It can also create encrypted file containers, but we’re focusing on encrypting your system drive here. You use your computer normally after it boots. It’s not complicated to use: After setting it up, you just have to enter your encryption password each time you boot your PC.
How to use veracrypt usb how to#
RELATED: How to Secure Sensitive Files on Your PC with VeraCrypt It works on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and even XP. VeraCrypt is a free and open-source tool you can use to enable full-disk encryption on any Windows PC. Of course, this doesn’t protect you against malware that attacks your PC while it’s running-just against someone stealing your PC or its hard drive and trying to view your files. Even if someone gains access to your physical hard drive, they’ll need your password (or key file) to actually see what you have on the drive. It scrambles your files into random-looking gibberish and you need a secret key to access them. RELATED: How to Enable Full-Disk Encryption on Windows 10Įncryption is the best way to ensure attackers can’t read your files.
How to use veracrypt usb software#
If you’d rather not, you can use the free and open-source VeraCrypt software to get full-disk encryption on any version of Windows. Some Windows 10 devices ship with “Device Encryption”, but other PCs require you to pay another $99 to get BitLocker on Windows Pro for full-disk encryption.