What are the steps to enable FileVault on my MacBook Pro M4

1. Launch System Settings: Start by clicking on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen, then select System Settings. Alternatively, you can find System Settings in the Applications folder or through Spotlight.

2. Navigate to Privacy & Security: Once in System Settings, click on Privacy & Security from the sidebar. You may need to scroll down to find it.

3. Access FileVault: In the Privacy & Security pane, scroll down and click on FileVault.

4. Unlock Preferences: You will see a lock icon at the bottom left of the window. Click on this lock icon and enter your administrator name and password to unlock the preferences.

5. Turn On FileVault: After unlocking, click the Turn On button next to FileVault. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password again.

6. Choose a Recovery Method: You will be presented with two options to unlock your disk and reset your password if you forget it:
- iCloud Account: If you use iCloud, you can select Allow My iCloud Account to Unlock My Disk. This method allows you to use your iCloud account to reset your password if needed.
- Recovery Key: Alternatively, you can choose Create a Recovery Key and Do Not Use My iCloud Account. This generates a unique key that you must keep safe, as it will be required to unlock your disk if you forget your password. Make sure to write it down exactly as shown, including hyphens, and store it securely.

7. Continue with Encryption: After selecting your recovery method, click Continue. The encryption process will begin, which may take several hours depending on the amount of data on your startup disk. Your MacBook Pro must be connected to a power source for the encryption to proceed.

8. Monitor Progress: You can check the encryption progress by returning to the FileVault section in Privacy & Security settings.

9. Restart Your Mac: Once the encryption is complete, you will need to restart your MacBook Pro. After restarting, you will be prompted to enter your account password to unlock the disk and complete the startup process.

**Important Notes:
- With FileVault enabled, automatic login is disabled, and you will need to enter your password every time you start up or wake your Mac from sleep.
- Ensure you keep your recovery key or iCloud account details safe, as losing access to both your login password and recovery key will result in permanent data loss.
- FileVault encrypts new files automatically as they are saved to the startup disk.