How to Install VeraCrypt and Encrypt a Drive for Free
VeraCrypt 1.26.30 (Windows: 1.26.29) · for Windows, macOS and Linux
Developer: IDRIX (opens in a new tab)
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: veracrypt.io
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VeraCrypt is free, open-source disk encryption software maintained by IDRIX. The current release is 1.26.30 for macOS and Linux and 1.26.29 for Windows; its official site is veracrypt.io.
A lost laptop or a USB stick left on a train is far less worrying when the files on it are encrypted. VeraCrypt lets you lock away a folder’s worth of documents or an entire drive behind a password, without paying for a commercial encryption suite.
What can VeraCrypt do?
- Encrypted containers: Create a single file that behaves like a separate drive once you mount it with your password. Dismount it and the contents are unreadable.
- Whole-drive encryption: Encrypt a USB stick, an external disk or a secondary partition in place.
- System encryption: On Windows, encrypt the drive Windows itself is installed on, so the PC asks for a password before it starts.
- Hidden volumes: Place a second, hidden volume inside an ordinary one for situations where you may be forced to reveal a password.
How to download and install
- The Download button opens the official download page on veracrypt.io.
- Windows users can choose the regular installer, the MSI package or the portable version; macOS and Linux packages are listed on the same page.
- After installing, click Create Volume and follow the wizard to make your first encrypted container.
Versions and passwords
At the time of writing, the 1.26.30 Windows installers were withdrawn after reports of upgrade problems, so the download page offers 1.26.29 for Windows. There is no way to recover data if you forget your password, so store it somewhere safe. On macOS, VeraCrypt needs macOS 12 Monterey or later.
Pros
- Strong, widely reviewed open-source encryption
- Works with containers, external drives and system drives
- Portable version for Windows
Cons
- The interface feels technical for beginners
- A forgotten password means the data is gone
Frequently Asked Questions
Can VeraCrypt encrypt the drive Windows is installed on?
Yes. System encryption makes the PC ask for your VeraCrypt password before Windows starts.
Can I recover files if I forget my VeraCrypt password?
No. Without the password (or keyfiles) the encrypted data cannot be opened, which is exactly what protects it. Keep your password in a safe place.
VeraCryptOpen source
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