
NOTE: If Windows isn't able to identify the device or install the drivers automatically, you may either visit the manufacturer's webpage for the appropriate driver (it is often located in the support or download section of the website) or visit the Windows Compatibility Center which lists thousands of devices and links to their respective webpages. You will see notifications about this in the bottom right corner of the desktop. When you insert the flash drive, Windows will install the drivers for it automatically. Generally, USB drives insert one way, so if it doesn’t fit, try turning it upside down. If you plan to use it frequently, insert it into the front port for accessibility reasons. Last updated: Novemat 4:57 p.m.Insert the USB drive into the port. Once complete, you can remove your USB flash drive and use it normally without restriction. Once you confirm your action, macOS will remove encryption from the USB flash drive this action will take some time. You will be prompted for your encryption password. To disable encryption, right-click on the drive in Finder and select Decrypt. This action will remove the encryption and allow you to use the drive on computers that do not support FileFault, and will permanently stop securing the data on your USB Flash Drive. If you no longer wish to utilize encryption on your USB flash drive, you can permanently disable it. When you are done working on your data, simply unplug it from your computer.
Your macOS computer will automatically manage encrypting and decrypting your information while it is plugged in to your computer. You will be prompted to enter the password you used to encrypt your drive. To securely use your encrypted USB flash drive, simply plug it into your computer. How to use your newly encrypted USB flash drive Encryption should only take a few minutes once complete, you USB flash drive will be fully protected.You will then need to enter and confirm a password (as well as a password hint).When the icon appears on your desktop, right click on it and select Encrypt.
Insert your USB flash drive into your Mac.The password you choose to protect your USB flash drive CANNOT be changed once it is configured.įollow the steps below to encrypt a USB flash drive using macOS.Drives encrypted with FileVault CANNOT be opened by Windows.This guide applies to encrypting a flash drive on macOS El Capitan and Sierra using the built in encryption tool known as FileVault. This guide will demonstrate how to securely encrypt a USB flash drive within macOS so that the data stored on it cannot be read nor accessed without entering a secure password. How do I securely encrypt a USB flash drive using a Mac? Share & PrintĮncrypting a portable USB flash drive is a great way to prevent sensitive data falling into the wrong hands, preventing data breaches and security incidents.