Windows 10: Can't Decrypt Bitlocker Drive from live Windows RE code 0x80073bc3

Hello,I have an internal Bitlocker encrypted non-system SSD that I'm trying to recover data from. I have the recovery key and used it to successfully unlock the drive using the command prompt in Windows RE.However, when I try to decrypt the drive with the command 'manage-bde -off <drive letter>', I get the following error message, "ERROR: An error occurred code 0x80073bc3: The requested system device cannot be found."I'm not sure what that's referring to, but I'm fairly certain the drive isn't corrupted. It was working perfectly fine when I could access it through my Windows 11 system.

:)

 

Bitlocker Stuck Decrypting

@rinconmike

For future reference, instead of using the TASK MANAGER to restart, you can simply hold CTRL + SHIFT and right click on blank space on the Task bar, to bring up 'Exit Explorer'.

Another option is to use software.

From m3datarecovery

Download

Instructions

From m3datarecovery

- *Smile

 

BitLocker Drive Decryption stuck For days...

Hi Joe. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

This is another reason I don't recommend any MS built-in encryption, because of the number of lost files I've seen due to keys not found or working, failed decryption, etc. etc.

For over ten years I've used simple folder passwording by 7Zip daily without any problem, nor have I ever seen a problem here in forums where I deal with Bitlocker crises every day.

Here is how others have dealt with stuck Bitlocker decryption:

https://windowsreport.com/bitlocker-decryption-... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-...

https://superuser.com/questions/1121447/full-dr...

https://superuser.com/questions/782128/bitlocke...

https://superuser.com/questions/1559509/bitlock...

https://www.eileenslounge.com/viewtopic.php?p=2...

https://www.m3datarecovery.com/bitlocker-drive-...

If nothing else works you'll need to run Data Recovery, then wipe the drive with Clean Command to reinstall Windows or reformat for data:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/85819-erase...

Feel free to ask back any questions. Please report back results for all steps given so I know what else to suggest if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

 

Bitlocker Stuck Decrypting

As a BitLocker user myself, I can definitively say it has zero issues with SSD's. Nor has Microsoft listed any SSD drive issues.

Also be aware BitLocker decryption is not an instantaneous process and can take anywhere between 20 minutes to a few hours depending on data and size of drive.

• From Dell - https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/e...g%20to%20sleep.
• Microsoft Answers - https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...1-d0acb75ba75f

That said, drive decryption does not prevent normal use of drive.