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Which is better: Encrypt the backup or the external drive with Bitlocker

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I create nightly backups (disk images) to an external hard drive. I've recently turned on Bitlocker for my C: (OS) drive and two data drives. I'm running Windows 11 Pro fully updated. 

I'd like to encrypt my backups as well. Is it better to encrypt the external hdd with Bitlocker or create new backups with Acronis encryption turned on in the advanced settings? 

The external hdd always remains attached to this computer. 

I have a separate backup of key files to Acronis Cloud so I'm not looking for another cloud solution. 

Thanks.

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Darryl, I would suggest using a password to encrypt the Acronis backups on your external drive as if the drive is connected permanently to your computer, then by definition, it is probably automatically unlocked as far as BitLocker is concerned, assuming the external drive is also encrypted.

What you do need to do in this situation is to ensure that you understand how to be able to boot from the Acronis rescue media and unlock the BitLocker protection in that offline environment, which means that you need to be using the WinPE version of rescue media with BitLocker support present.

Thank you. Thanks also for the WinPE tip. 

Success!

I opted not to not to use Bitlocker on the external drive but did encrypt the backups using encryption within Acronis Cyber Protect. 

I created the WinPE boot media with Bitlocker support using the MVP User Tools and Tutorials. I was able to boot from that thumb drive, unlock the C: drive, and restore a file from the backup to the unlocked drive. 

Steve, thanks again for your assistance. 

Darryl