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Bitlocker modern management with Windows 11 Pro?

Peter Schatz 5 Reputation points
2025-03-11T19:40:56.6466667+00:00

We use Windows 11 Pro, but we use Intune and SCCM licensed via EMS Suite. Now it's about drive encryption with BitLocker. According to the documentation, it is technically possible to store the BitLocker key with SCCM, GPO, or Intune, but legally Windows Pro is not allowed. Did I miss something, or is it really the case?"

https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/configure?tabs=common

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
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  1. Stephanie Luu0107 75 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-07-17T08:49:41.4266667+00:00

    Hi Peter,

    Thank you for your sharing details,

    Following your concern, I wanted to share a summary of the differences between Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions with regard to BitLocker management capabilities, particularly in the context of using Intune and SCCM licensed via the EMS Suite.

    BitLocker Management on Windows 11 Pro

    Technically possible: Yes, Windows 11 Pro supports BitLocker encryption and can backup recovery keys using SCCM, or Intune.

    Licensing limitation: Microsoft’s licensing terms restrict enterprise-grade key management features (like centralized escrow and rotation) to Windows Enterprise editions. This means:

    • You can enable BitLocker on Pro.
    • You can manually back up keys to Azure AD or view them in Intune.
    • But automated key rotation, silent encryption, and compliance reporting may not be fully supported or legally permitted under the Pro license

    The features provided on each edition is different:

    • The EMS Suite (which includes Intune and SCCM) provides the management tools.
    • But the OS edition (Windows Pro vs Enterprise) determines what features you’re licensed to use.
    • Microsoft documentation often describes what’s technically feasible, not always what’s licensed for production use.

    BitLocker Availability

    • Feature
      Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Enterprise
      BitLocker encryption ✅ Supported ✅ Supported
      BitLocker To Go (USB drives) ✅ Supported ✅ Supported
      TPM 2.0 integration ✅ Required ✅ Required

    Management Capabilities

    • Management Feature
      Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Enterprise
      Manual key backup to Azure AD ✅ Supported ✅ Supported
      Silent encryption ❌ Not supported ✅ Supported
      Key rotation via Intune ❌ Not supported ✅ Supported
      BitLocker CSP full support (via Intune) ❌ Limited ✅ Full support
      Compliance reporting ❌ Limited ✅ Supported
      Group Policy-based key escrow ✅ Supported ✅ Supported

    If you want full BitLocker lifecycle management (silent enablement, key escrow, rotation, compliance), consider upgrading to Windows 11 Enterprise via Microsoft 365 E3/E5 or Volume Licensing.BitLocker Management on Windows 11 Pro.

    Best regards.

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