Choose drive encryption method and cipher strength (Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2)

Policy ID
EncryptionMethod_Name
Scope
Computer Configuration
Supported on
Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Vista
Source
Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category
Windows Components › BitLocker Drive Encryption

Description

This policy setting allows you to configure the algorithm and cipher strength used by BitLocker Drive Encryption. This policy setting is applied when you turn on BitLocker. Changing the encryption method has no effect if the drive is already encrypted or if encryption is in progress. Consult the BitLocker Drive Encryption Deployment Guide on Microsoft TechNet for more information about the encryption methods available. This policy is only applicable to computers running Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows 7.

If you enable this policy setting you will be able to choose an encryption algorithm and key cipher strength for BitLocker to use to encrypt drives.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, BitLocker will use the default encryption method of AES 128-bit with Diffuser or the encryption method specified by the setup script.

Options

  • Select the encryption method:
    • AES 128-bit with Diffuser
    • AES 256-bit with Diffuser
    • AES 128-bit (default)
    • AES 256-bit

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • EncryptionMethodREG_DWORD

Other policies in the same category

View all policies in this category (10)