A binary key or password can be used to decrypt the data when an authorized user needs to read it. This will make ciphertext into plaintext once more, allowing the user to access the original data. Data is converted into ciphertext through encryption using a cypher (an encryption technique) and an encryption key.
A key is needed to decrypt data. VeraCrypt uses a key to decrypt data.
Steps to Encrypt a Windows System Drive With VeraCrypt
To encrypt your files on your computer, you’ll need to install VeraCrypt. VeraCrypt is a free software application that can help you protect your files from unauthorized access and theft.
When the installation is completed, VeraCrypt will encrypt the system partition/drive.
Next, you will be asked to choose a type of encryption. You can choose Normal, which is the default. If you want to use a stronger encryption option, you can click on the next button and select a stronger encryption type.
To encrypt your hard drive, go to the Area to Encrypt window and select “Encrypt the whole drive.” ..
You will be asked to choose a security level for your host protected area. Select No to continue.
If you have installed multiple operating systems, select Multi-boot and click Next to continue. ..
In the next step, you will be asked to choose a security algorithm to use for your file encryption. You can choose either AES or SHA-256.
Your password will be generated and stored on this computer. You can use it to log in to your account or to protect your personal information.
At Collecting Random Data window, move your mouse as randomly as possible within the window to increase the cryptographic strength. When the ‘Randomness’ bar becomes green press Next to continue.
On the next screen, you will be asked to provide a name for your new key. Type a name for your new key and click Next. ..
VeraCrypt Rescue Disk ISO image. If you do not wish to create the VeraCrypt Rescue Disk ISO image, click Skip. At the VeraCrypt Rescue Disk window, note the path for the VeraCrypt Rescue Disk ISO image and click Next if you wish to create the VeraCrypt Rescue Disk ISO image. If you do not wish to create the VeraCrypt Rescue Disk ISO image, click Skip. ..
If you want to create a Rescue disk later, select the Skip Rescue Disk verification checkbox.
Next, VeraCrypt will prompt you to create immediately a VeraCrypt Rescue CD or DVD. Click OK to continue.
The VeraCrypt Rescue disk is a bootable disk that can be used to rescue encrypted files from VeraCrypt volumes. ..
If you don’t want to create the rescue disk later, or if you don’t own a disc burner, Cancel.
When creating a rescue disk, you will be prompted to select a drive and partition. Select the drive and partition that you want to use for the rescue disk. Next, you will be prompted to create a name for the rescue disk. Select a name for your rescue disk and click Next. ..
The next screen will ask you to choose a wipe type.
At the System Encryption Pretest screen, click the Test button to verify that your computer is encrypted.
After booting to Windows, VeraCrypt should inform you that the pretest has been successfully completed. Read carefully the warning on the screen and when done press Encrypt to start the encryption process.
Finally, wait until the encryption is complete. The encryption time varies, but you can work at your computer during the process.
Final Words
Encrypting a Windows system drive is a straightforward idea. The data is shielded from anyone who doesn’t have the right password or key by the encryption procedure, which makes use of complex mathematical operations. By adding an additional layer of security, this keeps hackers out. If you send a friend a document that has been encrypted, they will first need to decrypt it. Otherwise, they’ll only see some arbitrary nonsense. Unless the person is skilled in mathematics ..
