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Microsoft BitLocker VS FileVault

Compare Microsoft BitLocker VS FileVault and see what are their differences

Microsoft BitLocker logo Microsoft BitLocker

BitLocker is a full disk encryption feature included with Windows Vista and later.

FileVault logo FileVault

FileVault is a method of using encryption with volumes on Mac computers.
  • Microsoft BitLocker Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-25
  • FileVault Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-14

Microsoft BitLocker features and specs

  • Strong Security
    BitLocker provides robust encryption algorithms like AES to protect data at rest, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot access your data even if they have physical access to the device.
  • Seamless Integration
    As a native feature of Windows, BitLocker integrates seamlessly with the operating system, making it easy to deploy and manage within a Windows-based environment.
  • TPM Support
    BitLocker leverages Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware to provide enhanced security, such as allowing non-TPM systems to use a USB startup key instead.
  • Enterprise Management Tools
    BitLocker can be managed using Active Directory, Group Policy, and Microsoft Endpoint Manager, enabling IT administrators to enforce encryption policies and recover keys efficiently.
  • Transparent Encryption
    Once BitLocker is set up, it works in the background without requiring user intervention, offering a smooth and transparent user experience.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft BitLocker

  • Performance Overhead
    Encrypting and decrypting data on the fly can slow down system performance, particularly on older or less powerful hardware.
  • Limited Non-Windows Support
    BitLocker is primarily designed for Windows operating systems, which limits its effectiveness and usability on non-Windows platforms.
  • Complex Recovery Process
    If a user loses their BitLocker recovery key, recovering the encrypted data can be complicated and, in worst-case scenarios, impossible.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    Setting up BitLocker requires understanding various options and configurations, such as TPM settings and key management, which can be daunting for inexperienced users.
  • Cost
    BitLocker is available only with certain editions of Windows, such as Professional and Enterprise, meaning users may need to upgrade from a basic edition, which could incur additional costs.

FileVault features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    FileVault uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to help prevent unauthorized access to the information on your startup disk.
  • Built-in Utility
    FileVault is integrated into macOS, which means no additional software is required, making it easy to set up and use.
  • Compatibility
    FileVault works seamlessly with other macOS features, including Time Machine backups and macOS updates.
  • Automatic Login Protection
    When FileVault is enabled, automatic login is disabled, adding an extra layer of security.
  • Remote Wipe Capabilities
    In case your Mac is lost or stolen, you can use Find My Mac to remotely wipe its data, ensuring your information remains secure.

Possible disadvantages of FileVault

  • Performance Impact
    Enabling FileVault may have a slight impact on system performance, especially on older machines.
  • Initial Encryption Time
    The initial encryption process can take several hours depending on the amount of data and speed of the Mac.
  • Complex Recovery
    If you forget your password and lose your recovery key, you may be unable to access your encrypted data.
  • Battery Consumption
    During the encryption and decryption processes, FileVault may consume more battery power.
  • Potential Software Conflicts
    Some third-party software may not work correctly with FileVault enabled, requiring users to seek alternative solutions or workarounds.

Microsoft BitLocker videos

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FileVault videos

FileVault: What Is It and Should You Use It?

More videos:

  • Review - Does FileVault Slow Down Macs?
  • Review - Understanding FileVault (MacMost #1827)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft BitLocker and FileVault)
Security & Privacy
73 73%
27% 27
Monitoring Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Encryption
64 64%
36% 36
Security Tools
62 62%
38% 38

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Microsoft BitLocker and FileVault

Microsoft BitLocker Reviews

Best Disk Encryption Software – the 5 top tools to secure your data
Bitlocker is popular Windows-only software used to encrypt entire volumes using the AES encryption algorithm with a 128- or 256-bit key. Unlike TrueCrypt and VeraCrypt, Bitlocker cannot create encrypted containers. Entire partitions must be encrypted at once.

FileVault Reviews

6 TrueCrypt Alternatives for Reliable Data Encryption
For Mac users, FileVault is a great alternative to TrueCrypt. FileVault is Apple’s macOS-native encryption software tool that comes standard with the latest operating systems. FileVault enables full startup disk encryption and protects data via password access. In fact, its password lockdown feature is so secure that even governmental agencies have been hard pressed to gain...
Best Disk Encryption Software – the 5 top tools to secure your data
Similar to Bitlocker, FileVault 2 has no option to create encrypted containers. That means once you’ve logged into your Macbook, all of the hard drive’s data is unencrypted and visible until the system is powered down.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft BitLocker and FileVault, you can also consider the following products

Symantec Data Loss Prevention - Fully protect your data with the comprehensive detection technologies and unified policies of Symantec's industry leading Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

VeraCrypt - VeraCrypt is a free open source disk encryption software for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

Paubox - Paubox provides HIPAA compliant email encryption without the hassle of extra steps.

Now Platform - Get native platform intelligence, so you can predict, prioritize, and proactively manage the work that matters most with the NOW Platform from ServiceNow.

OpenSSH - OpenSSH is a free version of the SSH connectivity tools that technical users rely on.

Sophos SafeGuard Encryption - Centrally managed full-disk and file encryption with options to synchronize with award winning Sophos endpoint protection for automated, proactive data protection.