Windows 10: How do I add encryption via BitLocker to external hard drive? Windows 11 Home

I have a new laptop running Windows 11 Home. I was able to go into setting and enable BitLocker, but it only seems to apply to the local hard drive. I have an external hard drive for backups, which I want to apply encryption on. While it is listed in Advanced Storage Setting, when I select that volume, the only drive that shows up is C:.I read on another post here that Windows 11 Home does not allow adding encryption to drives? Is this true or is there way to turn it on?

:)

 

Can an External Hard Drive, that is BitLocker Encrypted, be Imaged ?

Can an External Hard Drive, that is BitLocker Encrypted, be Imaged ?

So far I can NOT image the external hard drive.

 

BitLocker Encrypted Hard Drive to MAC

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. I regret the inconvenience caused to you. Let me help you.



I suggest you to perform below mentioned steps to disable BitLocker.

To disable BitLocker I would suggest you try the following steps and see if it helps.

• 
  Press Windows key + X and click on
  Control Panel.
  
• 
  Change View by from Category
  to Large Icons/Small Icons.
  
• 
  Click on BitLocker Drive Encryption and click on
  Turn BitLocker Off.
  
• 
  Follow on screen instructions. Click on Decrypt the Drive
  when the message appears.
  

I would suggest you click on the link below and refer the following article.

Scenario 12: Turning Off BitLocker Drive Encryption (Windows 7)

Scenario 12: Turning Off BitLocker Drive Encryption (Windows 7)

(You can refer the steps in the above link as they are applicable for Windows 10 as well)



Check if it helps.



I hope the information helps. Please keep us posted on the issue. We will be happy to assist you accordingly.

Thank you.

 

Can an External Hard Drive, that is BitLocker Encrypted, be Imaged ?

Yes, it can. An image is basically a copy of the 0's and 1's on your hard drive.