Windows 10: How to remove BitLocker encrpytion from an old external hard drive when you have the key...

My old laptop suddenly expired and I was able to remove the hard drive, It is encrypted with BitLocker I have the recovery key and can access all the content, but I have to enter the key every time I connect the drive to my new laptop. How do I remove BitLocker from this old drive, using Windows 11?

:)

 

Remove BitLocker for external drive

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand that you want to disable BitLocker for the external hard drive. However, we would like to know if you are able to access data from the external hard drive.



In the meantime, you may refer the steps mentioned below to disable BitLocker:

1. Type Command Prompt in the search bar on the
   Taskbar.
   
2. Right click on the Command Prompt icon and select
   Run as administrator.
   
3. Type manage-bde –off X: and hit
   Enter. (Replace X with the drive letter of the external hard drive)
   

Meanwhile, you may also post your query in
TechNet forums, where we have support professionals who are well equipped with the knowledge on BitLocker to address your query.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

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