Windows 10: Need help with Bitlocker on external hard drive.

Discus and support Need help with Bitlocker on external hard drive. in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; So I sold my old computer, which was a Windows 10 PC. Before selling, I made a backup of my files on an external Seagate hard drive. I did not encrypt... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by NastyNas_Common, Apr 15, 2025.

  1. NASTYNAS_COMMON
    NastyNas_Common Win User

    Need help with Bitlocker on external hard drive.


    So I sold my old computer, which was a Windows 10 PC. Before selling, I made a backup of my files on an external Seagate hard drive. I did not encrypt anything. Then, I built a new computer with windows 11. Now, when I plug on the same external hard drive on which I had created the backup, it asks for the bitlocker password. How do I unlock it? Points to note - I never ever created any encryption to beging with. I have checked my only Microsoft account where I can see the old system but no encryption key. Really frustrated with such malpractices. Please help.

    :)
     
    NastyNas_Common, Apr 15, 2025
    #1
  2. REMON ONT
    Remon Ont Win User

    External Hard Drive

    Hi John,

    We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

    • Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
    • Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.
    The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

    Let us know if you need further help.
     
    Remon Ont, Apr 15, 2025
    #2
  3. DIGITALSCHISM
    DigitalSchism Win User
    Bitlocker doesn't recognize external hard drive

    I am running Windows 10 pro and when I go into the policies they are listed as not configured. The hard drive is a Toshiba Canvio Basics 2 TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive. I successfully used bitlocker on my internal hard drive 2 years ago so maybe the external
    drive is the issue?
     
    DigitalSchism, Apr 15, 2025
    #3
Thema:

Need help with Bitlocker on external hard drive.

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