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To check whether your Windows 11 PC supports Device Encryption, open System Information as an administrator and look in System Summary for Automatic Device Encryption Support or Device Encryption Support. The result Meets prerequisites means the feature is available; it does not confirm that a particular drive is encrypted right now.
Check Device Encryption support in System Information
- Sign in with an administrator account.
- Open Start, type System Information, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator.
- In System Summary, find Automatic Device Encryption Support or Device Encryption Support.
- Read the value. Meets prerequisites means Device Encryption is available. If Windows lists a reason it is unavailable, use that reason to guide further checks.
Microsoft documents this support check in its Device Encryption instructions. Windows versions or devices may show either of the two field names.
Check TPM and Secure Boot when support is unavailable
Verify the TPM
Open Windows Security > Device security > Security processor details and check the specification version. Microsoft says Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0. If the Security processor section is missing, the PC may not have a TPM, or it may be disabled in UEFI firmware; check the device maker’s guidance before changing firmware settings. See Microsoft’s TPM guidance and Device Security overview.
Check Secure Boot and PCR7
Secure Boot state appears in System Information as Secure Boot State. Windows Security also has a Secure boot section under Device security. Microsoft lists unsupported PCR7 binding as a possible Device Encryption blocker. It can be associated with Secure Boot being disabled or with peripherals connected during startup, such as docking stations, specialized network interfaces, or external graphics cards. These are possible causes, not proof that a particular peripheral is responsible. For firmware changes, follow the PC manufacturer’s instructions. Microsoft’s information is available in its Windows 11 and Secure Boot guidance.
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Understand other reported blockers
- TPM is not usable: The TPM may be absent or not enabled in BIOS/UEFI. Confirm the model’s capabilities with its manufacturer rather than assuming a replacement is needed.
- WinRE is not configured: Microsoft identifies an unconfigured Windows Recovery Environment as another reason Device Encryption may be unavailable.
- PCR7 binding is not supported: Check Secure Boot and startup peripherals, but do not assume either is the cause without examining the PC’s configuration.
Windows 11’s minimum requirements include TPM 2.0 and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, but Microsoft notes that individual features can have additional requirements. Passing Windows 11 eligibility checks therefore does not by itself establish Device Encryption support. Use the specific support field in System Information. See Windows 11 system requirements.
Check whether the drive is encrypted now
Support and current protection are different questions. To check the current state, open Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption, if that page is available, or use the relevant BitLocker controls for the drive. Microsoft says the Device Encryption page may be missing because the feature is unavailable or because the signed-in account is a standard account. System Information’s support result alone does not tell you whether protection is on for a specific drive.
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| Question | Where to check | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Can this PC use Device Encryption? | System Information > System Summary | Whether the feature is available and, when unavailable, a reported prerequisite issue. |
| Is Device Encryption on? | Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption, if shown | Current Device Encryption status. |
| Is BitLocker protection on for a drive? | The relevant BitLocker controls | Current protection for the drive in question. |
| Is a TPM present and usable? | Windows Security > Device security > Security processor details | TPM status and specification version. |
| What is Secure Boot’s state? | System Information > System Summary | The Secure Boot State reported by Windows. |
Device Encryption and BitLocker are related, but not identical
Microsoft describes Device Encryption as the simpler BitLocker function, usually enabled automatically when supported, and BitLocker Drive Encryption as a manually managed option for more advanced scenarios. Recovery keys may be saved to a Microsoft account or a work or school account when Device Encryption is enabled automatically or by an administrator; on organization-managed PCs, policy may govern the setup. Microsoft’s BitLocker overview explains the distinction.
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A firmware or hardware change can lead Windows to request the BitLocker recovery key. Microsoft describes this key as a unique 48-digit numerical password. Before making a change, make sure you can access the key associated with the device; Microsoft’s BitLocker overview covers recovery keys and BitLocker.
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