Any suggestions for an open source Windows 10 disk encryption app

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around suggestions for open source disk encryption applications for Windows 10. Participants explore various tools and methods for encrypting data, including full disk encryption and file-level encryption, while expressing concerns about reliability and usability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions having researched options like LibreCrypt, DiskCryptor, and VeraCrypt but expresses caution due to a lack of personal experience with these tools.
  • Another participant suggests considering file compression tools with encryption capabilities, specifically mentioning 7-Zip.
  • A later reply clarifies that 7-Zip can encrypt collections of files into a single zip archive but cannot encrypt an entire disk volume directly, highlighting the need for sufficient free disk space.
  • Concerns are raised about SSD usage, noting that they should not be filled beyond 80% to avoid impacting their lifespan, along with a brief explanation of write cycles and their implications for SSD longevity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best tool for disk encryption, with multiple competing views on the effectiveness and appropriateness of different methods being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of "disk encryption" versus "file encryption," and the discussion does not resolve the technical details of each suggested tool's capabilities.

Melbourne Guy
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TL;DR
I've an old Windows 10 PC that does not support BitLocker so I am looking for a robust, open source disk encryptor
The summary says it all, really, but in addition, I've done a lot of googling and am finding it hard to identify trustworthy options.

LibreCrypt, DiskCryptor and VeraCrypt are candidates, but I have not used any of these tools so am wary of jumping in and finding that I have bricked my PC.
 
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jedishrfu said:
What about file compression with encryption like zip tools? 7zip comes to mind.
I didn't know that 7-Zip could do an entire disk volume, @jedishrfu, I'll check it out, thanks.
 
No 7-zip can encrypt collections of files into a single zip archive file not the whole volume unless you selected all those files and of course, you'd need free disk space commensurate with the size of the source files and then some.

Also remember SSDs shouldn't be fully loaded more than 80% lest you impact their lifetime. The OS tries to spread write operations around the SSD as files are written to use all parts equally since hammering the same disk cells will lead to disk failure after 10,000 to 35,000 writes or so depending on the technology used.

https://www.techtarget.com/searchst...SSD that stores two,write cycles with 3D NAND.

https://www.ontrack.com/en-us/blog/how-long-do-ssds-really-last
 
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