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I hear that Windows 8 Pro can use full disk encryption. I also understand that Win8 is targeting the "slate" / "tablet" form factor specifically. But all my previous experience with BitLocker requires you to put in some kind of PIN or password at boot time -- how can I do this without a (hardware) keyboard?

This preview of an upcoming Win8 tablet mentions BitLocker but doesn't address the PIN issue. Am I missing something?

Community
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Coderer
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3 Answers3

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Windows RT includes its own (non-BitLocker) device encryption, similar to Windows Mobile before it. Without a device at hand, unfortunately I don't have the exact sequence of steps needed to enable it.

Using BitLocker with Windows 8 on a tablet currently requires the use of TPM, a startup key, or an external USB keyboard.

Michael Hampton
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Hello from the future!

It looks like this issue took a while to gain traction, but has been addressed, to some extent, quite recently. This article provides two key facts:

  • If you have a TPM, boot-time authentication (PIN) is not very important on most tablets (although, read article for caveats)
  • If you use a boot-time PIN, some devices are now providing boot-time on-screen keyboard (like the Surface Pro 3)

I have read a few forum posts where some other tablets are getting BIOS patches that will enable a boot-time OSK. I think that's the best solution going forward.

Coderer
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Yes you can, but you'll either need to upgrade your Windows 8 to pro or encrypt the drivers on a Win 8 pro pc. After that it should read them fine. This is for 8 and 8 pro, no idea about RT

user384816
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