Windows 10: Bitlocker asking for password on each boot / restart

Hi, recently I used partition software to recover some unallocated space, during this, it asked me to turn off device encryption, which I did.This is on a Windows 11 Home laptop.I didn't realise at the time it would cause this much issue.So I fixed the unallocated space issue, then I wanted to turn device encryption back on, I then found the options to turn it back on, had completely vanished.The partition software I used could turn it back on, but this was a pro feature, so I felt compelled it buy it, so I could turn it back on.I encrypted my drive using the software, and now every time I boo

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Bitlocker not asking for password set up

I have the same problem as David with bitlocker set-up not asking me for a password. Following the instructions in the article suggested by Jennifer does not help as it assumes that I will be prompted to enter a password - the set up skips that step going
straight to the options for saving the recovery key. Once (supposedly) encrypted, I can restart my computer without having to enter anything apart from my microsoft password so I do not have any additional security at all.

 

BitLocker not requiring password at boot. (Without TPM)

I've recently installed bitlocker on my computer. Although windows says my C: drive is encrypted; I am not asked for my decryption password when i boot the computer. I get put straight into the login screen. I've done the necessary steps to enable bitlocker without TPM but maybe i missed something. Help please.

 

Enforcing Bitlocker to ask for a password at boot

Thank you for engaging. I have read that the TPM is less secure than a strong password but maybe that is just misinformation. This is software encryption in case that was not clear because the manufacturer of my drives recommends that. I think I may be only dimly grasping exactly what TPM is and how it works (hardware hash?) with self encrypting hardware devices (which I don't have) and devices which are not self encrypting and therefore software encryption is required. Using TPM though, does that not mean though that anyone who has access to my machine is can access in the same way? I had always understood that the Windows logon password was inherently insecure? But maybe TPM takes care of that? If I just rely on TPM for that security which sounds a very attractive option how do I verify that it is active? - - - Updated - - - The other thing I do not understand is that I have bitlocker turned off on all drives at the moment but the bitlocker icon keeps appearing in the system tray to advise that bitlocker is encrypting and to back up the file encryption key???? Confused me, why would that be? lol UPDATE: Just realised this is something else, nothing to so with Bitlocker. Never been sure what it is though.





If I follow through on the recommended backing up of my key I am taken to the certificate export wizard...



The system tray icon then disappears only to reappear again approx 24hours later