Microsoft has introduced a significant performance upgrade for its built-in disk encryption tool, BitLocker, in Windows 11. The new feature leverages hardware acceleration through modern CPUs, making the process of encrypting and decrypting drives dramatically faster. Early tests indicate performance improvements of up to five times compared to the previous software-only method.
How Hardware Acceleration Supercharges Encryption
The core of this update, currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds for the Canary and Dev Channels, is the offloading of encryption tasks to dedicated CPU instructions. For Intel processors, it utilizes the AES-NI instruction set, while AMD CPUs employ their equivalent AES instructions. This shift from software-based processing to hardware-level execution is what unlocks the massive speed gains.
Previously, encrypting large drives like a 1TB NVMe SSD could take hours and heavily burden the system's CPU. With this new hardware-accelerated BitLocker, the same task can be completed in mere minutes without causing significant CPU usage spikes. This is a game-changer for users who handle large volumes of data, such as gamers with extensive SSD libraries or creative professionals securing drives full of media projects.
Enhanced Security for Modern Threats
This upgrade arrives at a crucial time when ransomware threats are increasingly targeting high-value personal systems, including powerful gaming rigs. BitLocker continues to provide robust, FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption to protect data from theft or unauthorized access, but now does so with far greater efficiency. Microsoft's move is also seen as strengthening Windows' position as a secure platform for both work and entertainment, especially as some users explore open-source alternatives like VeraCrypt.
For IT administrators, the feature includes configurable group policy options. End-users will find a simple toggle to manage it under Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption. The system is designed for broad compatibility; if a device lacks the necessary modern CPU (Intel 11th-gen or later, or AMD Ryzen 3000 series or later), it will automatically revert to the standard software encryption method.
Rollout Timeline and What's Next
The feature is part of the Windows 11 version 24H2 development track. According to Microsoft's plan, the stable release for all users is slated for early 2026. This timing suggests it could be integrated with future enhancements, potentially aligning with the capabilities of upcoming Copilot+ PCs.
Tech enthusiasts and reviewers with supported hardware are encouraged to test the preview builds. The performance benchmarks promise tangible benefits for secure boot workflows and data-intensive tasks. The update is delivered seamlessly via Windows Update for users on compatible systems, marking a silent but powerful upgrade to system security and performance.
