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How to encrypt Linux data on a drive with Windows partitions?

th flag

I just got a new LG Gram 17" laptop and have shrunk the Windows partition to 50 GB. (To my surprise, the system already uses 45 GB of it!) Anyway, I would love to keep the ability to boot into native Windows. I have successfully installed Ubuntu Mate on another partition and dual boot works. However, I want my data on the Linux partition to be encrypted, and it seems that now the preferred method for Linux is encrypting the entire drive. Is there a not-too-complex way to encrypt my data that will leave the Windows partitions (not only the "C" drive but the other little partitions it uses) untouched?

Sadaharu Wakisaka avatar
pl flag
Hello, if you want to encrypt a partition, [here](https://askubuntu.com/questions/366749/enable-disk-encryption-after-installation)'s already an answer. The encryption for individual files are much simple and fail-safe method. For example, in the case, you want to rescue the OS and don't want to read your document to other people. GNU Privacy Guard GNUPG aka `gpg` is traditional and trustworthy.
Keith Bennett avatar
th flag
@SadaharuWakisaka Thank you. I was aware that encryption of the home folder was possible, but read that this is no longer the preferred method of ensuring privacy. So I was looking for a way to encrypt the entire partition. Encrypting only the home directory leaves the rest of the system (especially /tmp) unencrypted. There may be other reasons as well, I don't know.
Sadaharu Wakisaka avatar
pl flag
@KeithBennett, sounds professional. I am happy that you found the way. `cryptsetup <option> <device name>` would create a new encrypted partition. You can install a new Ubuntu or clone your MATE system onto it. Simplest way: Abandon Ubuntu installation and overwrite a new Ubuntu, installer can make an encrypted partition. Choose "something else" when it asks where to install. NOTE: only a few people on earth can open encrypted files/drives. No one can repair your OS or salvage data.
Keith Bennett avatar
th flag
@SadaharuWakisaka Thanks. Does this mean I could boot from a live Linux DVD, create the partition, run cryptsetup on it, and then run the Ubuntu installation on that partition?
Sadaharu Wakisaka avatar
pl flag
@KeithBennett, Yes sir. It is the simplest and easiest way, I believe. Details: https://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2021/06/encrypt-system-disk-installing-ubuntu/
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