Bitlocker: 3 good alternatives in comparison

Encryption is important - but Bitlocker isn't the only option you have. We present three alternatives to the Windows hard drive encryption program.

Bitlocker alternative # 1: The TrueCrypt descendant VeraCrypt

The extremely popular TrueCrypt is no longer developed by its creators, but based on it, VeraCrypt is a worthy alternative to TrueCrypt and Bitlocker.

• Like TrueCrypt, VeraCrypt is open source and is therefore extensively examined by its users for weak points. The weaknesses of TrueCrypt found in this way have already been eliminated in VeraCrypt, according to the development team.
• In general, feedback is input and the tool is constantly being developed.
• VeraCrypt is particularly suitable if you have previously used TrueCrypt because of its generally similar design and the comparable functionality.
• TrueCrypt data is not easy to import, but you can convert it to VeraCrypt format with little effort.
• VeraCrypt is also very popular because of its simplicity. Without much frills, you can easily encrypt your data and access it flexibly.
• The program is also free and available for Windows, Linux and Mac.

Bitlocker alternative # 2: The bedrock: TrueCrypt 7.1

TrueCrypt is no longer developed and has had some problems late in its development period - nevertheless earlier versions - especially 7.1 - are still widespread and popular today as an extremely secure and proven encryption program.

• While VeraCrypt is the consequent further development of TrueCrypt, TrueCrypt 7.1 can be seen as a conservative attempt to keep old qualities alive.
• Here, too, you can securely encrypt your hard drives with a simple design and without much effort.
• The code is open source and was particularly checked after the suspicion that the tool was no longer secure and the subsequent disappearance of the developer.
• Version 7.1 is still considered safe and is still high on the chip download charts.
• However, a long-term risk is that there are no more updates. If there should be a serious gap, it will unfortunately not be corrected.
• If you are looking for a successful classic with a large fan base, you are in good hands with TrueCrypt 7.1 at least for the moment.
• Big plus: This program is also free and available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

Bitlocker alternative # 3: Small and practical: AxCrypt

Open source is a huge asset in security software because it allows you and others to see exactly what the developers are doing and whether you can trust them. AxCrypt also has this advantage.

• A big advantage of AxCrypt is that it can be integrated directly into Windows. After installation, AxCrypt commands are available by right-clicking in Explorer.
• However, that also has its price. AxCrypt is very good at encrypting individual files or folders, but is not intended for full hard drives.
• If you want to delve deeper into the subject of the program, it offers numerous options, for which you should be able to handle the Windows command prompt.
• The tool offers good protection, but is not very diverse in its encryption methods. However, it is more than sufficient to protect essential data very quickly against most attackers.
• The Windows program is free of charge. However, please note that annoying adware is included in the installation tool, which you should deselect during installation.

Before you encrypt your data, you should familiarize yourself with what actually happens. We use TrueCrypt as an example to explain how encryption works.