Microsoft may be rolling out a new feature as part of the latest Windows 11 update that will boost security but slow down SSD performance. We’re talking about BitLocker, of course, a device encryption feature that will be turned on by default as part of the upcoming 24H2 update.
In the past, BitLocker encryption was available only on Windows Pro editions, but the new update lowers the eligibility criteria, extending encryption capabilities to a broader range of devices.
In theory, this sounds great. Who wouldn’t want some additional security for their data? Well, a key concern with having BitLocker on by default is its potential impact on SSD performance. Tom’s Hardware tested BitLocker on various SSDs last year and found that it can significantly affect performance. The tests showed that when BitLocker encryption is enabled, sequential read speeds could drop by up to 45% and write speeds by up to 40%. Random read and write speeds were also affected, though to a lesser extent.
The performance hit varied depending on the drive and workload, but overall, the results highlighted a noticeable slowdown, especially for tasks involving large data transfers.
Because BitLocker will be turned on by default, that could mean that plenty of people will install the update without realizing they’re taking a hit in SSD performance. Notably, Microsoft has only confirmed its plans to enable BitLocker by default through support documents, which do not mention any potential performance drawbacks.
This could either mean that Microsoft has found a way to eliminate potential performance issues or doesn’t deem this problem to be big enough. As BitLocker becomes a default feature, users with SSDs, particularly those with older or slower models, should be aware of possible performance hits.
It’s also worth noting that BitLocker will only be on by default for new PCs, such as the currently available Copilot+ PCs, or if you perform a clean install of Windows. Upgrading an existing Windows 11 system to 24H2 will not enable this feature automatically. Similarly, if you are using a local account instead of logging in to a Microsoft account, automatic encryption will not be enabled by default and can be manually activated via the BitLocker option under Settings or Control Panel.
There are upsides to having it on by default, of course. By enabling encryption by default, you’ll benefit from enhanced security without needing to manually activate or configure the settings. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact, particularly for non-techy folk who might not otherwise enable such features.
There are a couple of other security changes rolling out with the upcoming Windows 11 update, too. Firstly, the update is expected to simplify encryption by removing the need for certain hardware features that were previously necessary. Notably, devices no longer need Hardware Security Test Interface (HSTI) or Modern Standby to enable automatic encryption. The update also eliminates the need to check for untrusted Direct Memory Access (DMA) interfaces, streamlining compliance with Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) standards for manufacturers.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.