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Using the BitLocker program to encrypt a drive is a smart move to protect the data that exists on it. The BitLocker program is software offering from Microsoft technology and it is readily available on all Microsoft devices and Windows OS platforms. Unfortunately, this program is not yet natively available on Mac laptops.
However, using BitLocker for Mac software to encrypt a drive is possible on Mac. This article explains the top BitLocker for Mac software, how to open BitLocker drive on Mac, and other benefits of using the BitLocker for Mac program.
M3 BitLocker Loader for Mac software
The solution to using the BitLocker program on Mac is via third-party software. M3 BitLocker Loader for Mac is a very useful tool that allows the BitLocker program to run on Mac laptops. It is a powerful tool useful for opening, reading, writing, encrypting, and unlocking drives on Mac laptops. M3 BitLocker Loader for Mac is the first and only BitLocker for Mac tool that is compatible with the Apple silicon M1 Mac laptop and the macOS Monterey Beta.
This software packs some nice features that make it a must-have program for Mac users. Some of its features include:
Fast read-write speed
The M3 BitLocker Loader software has an independent file system that provides a fast native read-write speed on the encrypted drive. On gaining access to the encrypted drive, it provides native access to Mac users to perform their read-write operation.
Native drive functionality
Native functionality like airdrop files, sync files, drag and drop files among others are some of the other benefits that Mac users enjoy on this app.
Encrypt external drives
The M3 BitLocker Loader is capable of adding encryption on external devices. These devices can be thumb drives, SD cards, USB drives, external hard drives, and many more storage device types. It is also capable of unlocking these encryptions when the correct password or 48-digit recovery key is available.
How to encrypt drive with M3 BitLocker on Mac
The encryption process on M3 BitLocker Loader for Mac is quite simple and straightforward. To encrypt a drive with M3 BitLocker on Mac, follow the following steps below:
Download and install M3 BitLocker Loader software
The first step to encrypt a drive on Mac is to download M3 BitLocker on Mac free from the internet. This software is available for download from the internet and you can install it free on your Mac. Navigate to your downloads folder to start the installation process. Double click on the M3 BitLocker Loader file to begin the installation of the software.
Follow the installation prompt to complete the software installation. Importantly, make sure that your Mac model has macOS Higher Sierra 10.13 or above on your Mac. Follow the installation wizard and complete the installation process.
Launch the M3 BitLocker Loader software
The next step is to launch the M3 BitLocker Loader software on your Mac. Navigate to your Applications folder and double-click on the M3 BitLocker Loader software icon to launch the software. Next, connect your external drive to your Mac. Your external storage drive can be a USB drive, thumb drive, USB stick, SD card, external hard drive, and so many other options. The file system on the drive must be either the NTFS or FAT32/exFAT file system.
Commence encryption on M3 BitLocker Loader software
On the M3 BitLocker software interface, click on the ‘Encrypt’ button in the toolbar of the interface. Further, click on the ‘Encrypt’ button on the right side of the USB drive you wish to encrypt. Here, you should receive a prompt to enter a password you desire. This password will be the key code for encrypting the USB drive and de-encrypt the drive for access. Proceed to click on the ‘Save to a file’ option or ‘Print the recovery key’ option to save the 48-digit recovery key for the drive. To proceed, click the ‘Next’ button.
Complete encrypting process
On the next screen, select the ‘Start Encrypting’ option to complete the encryption process. It is very important that you do not pull out the drive at any time during the encryption process. This might not just only interrupt the encryption process, it might lead to permanent damage to the drive itself.
