About VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt is free open source software for encrypting disks, partitions and virtual encrypted drives. It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, and it is based on the older TrueCrypt 7.1a code.
What it does
VeraCrypt can create an encrypted container inside a file and mount it as a drive. It can also encrypt a whole partition or a USB drive, and it can protect the Windows system drive at boot. Encryption happens in real time, so data is protected while you work with it.
Key features
- Creates encrypted virtual disks inside a file
- Encrypts whole partitions and USB drives
- Encrypts the Windows system drive with pre-boot login
- Hidden volumes for plausible deniability
- Hardware acceleration on modern processors
Who it's for
- Privacy-focused users who want local disk encryption
- IT administrators protecting laptops and removable drives
- Anyone who handles sensitive files on shared or lost devices
Pricing and good to know
The software is free and open source. By default it uses more key derivation iterations than TrueCrypt, which adds a short delay when you open an encrypted volume. Keep your password and any recovery details safe, because losing them means losing the data. Check the release notes before updating, since the project keeps publishing new versions.
Highlights
- Creates encrypted virtual disks inside a file
- Encrypts whole partitions and USB drives
- Encrypts the Windows system drive with pre-boot login
- Hidden volumes for plausible deniability
- Hardware acceleration on modern processors
