In today’s digital world, securing sensitive data has become non-negotiable—especially for businesses handling confidential information. One of the most popular disk encryption tools built into Microsoft Windows is BitLocker, a feature that protects data by encrypting entire drives. But what exactly is the type of encryption used by BitLocker, and how effective is it?

Let’s break it down.

What is BitLocker?

BitLocker Drive Encryption is a full-disk encryption feature developed by Microsoft and available in Windows 10, Windows 11, and some earlier versions. It helps protect your data by encrypting entire volumes and ensuring that unauthorized users can’t access it—even if the device is lost or stolen.

It relies heavily on technologies like TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and a combination of strong encryption algorithms.

Types of Encryption Used by BitLocker

BitLocker primarily uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), a symmetric key encryption algorithm that is globally trusted for its strength and efficiency.

Here are the specific modes supported:

1. AES-CBC (Cipher Block Chaining)

Used in earlier versions of Windows, AES-CBC is a mode that encrypts blocks of data in a chain, making each block dependent on the previous one. While still secure, it’s considered less ideal for disk encryption due to potential vulnerabilities in certain use cases.

Key Sizes Supported:

• AES 128-bit
• AES 256-bit
  

2. AES-XTS (XEX-based Tweaked CodeBook mode with ciphertext Stealing)

Introduced with Windows 10, AES-XTS is now the default encryption method. It’s specifically designed for disk encryption and improves data integrity and security without chaining blocks together.

Key Sizes Supported:

• AES 128-bit
• AES 256-bit

Which One is Better?
AES-XTS is more secure and suitable for storage-level encryption due to its resistance to pattern-based attacks. It also aligns better with compliance standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.

How BitLocker Works with TPM

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip on your computer helps BitLocker verify the integrity of the startup process. When paired with encryption algorithms like AES-XTS, TPM ensures that your drive stays locked until the correct startup state is detected—adding an extra layer of hardware-based security.

BitLocker Settings & Customization

BitLocker allows configuration of:

• Encryption algorithm (AES-CBC or AES-XTS)
• Key length (128-bit or 256-bit)
• Authentication methods (TPM, PIN, password, USB key)
• Drive types (OS drives, fixed drives, removable drives)

These settings can be managed manually via Group Policy or PowerShell. However, for large enterprises, this manual process can quickly become inefficient and hard to scale.

Read: How Does BitLocker Work?

Managing BitLocker at Scale: The Challenge

While BitLocker is powerful, managing it across hundreds or thousands of devices brings challenges:

• Difficulty enforcing centralized encryption policies
• Manual recovery of BitLocker recovery keys
• Lack of visibility into encryption status and compliance
• Complexity in meeting data protection regulations like GDPR or HIPAA

This is where BitTruster steps in.

BitTruster: Centralized BitLocker Management Made Simple

BitTruster is a specialized solution that simplifies BitLocker management for enterprises. Whether you’re running encryption on 50 devices or 5,000, BitTruster helps you:

🔒 Enforce encryption policies centrally
🔑 Recover BitLocker keys automatically
📊 Monitor compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS
⚙️ Automate reporting & auditing for internal or regulatory needs
🌐 Support both AES-CBC and AES-XTS modes
🧩 Integrate with Active Directory and existing IT infrastructure

With BitTruster, managing BitLocker encryption becomes efficient, scalable, and fully compliant—making it the perfect tool for modern businesses focused on enterprise data security.

Final Thoughts

To answer the question: BitLocker uses AES-CBC and AES-XTS encryption algorithms, with both 128-bit and 256-bit key options available. While the technology itself is robust, managing BitLocker effectively—especially in a corporate setting—requires the right tools and automation.

If your organization values data protection and compliance, consider using BitTruster as your centralized BitLocker encryption management platform. It not only enhances the native power of BitLocker but also ensures that your enterprise stays ahead in security and compliance.