BitLocker

Full-disk encryption Windows already knows how to run.

PriceIncluded with Windows Pro/Enterprise

CategoryFull-Disk Encryption — Best Pick

BitLocker locks your whole drive so a stolen laptop does not hand over your files. On Windows Pro it is built in; many newer Home PCs get a similar device encryption during setup.

It is fast, hardware-backed, and free with the OS. Save your recovery key somewhere safe — that is the main homework. For most Windows users, this is the encryption to turn on.

Why it's here

Protects the entire drive with almost no daily friction
Included with Windows Pro (and device encryption on many PCs)
Hardware-backed and managed by the OS
Save your recovery key — that is the one must-do