Windows 10: Removing BITLOCKER from an external drive

Discus and support Removing BITLOCKER from an external drive in Windows 10 Drivers and Hardware to solve the problem; Have replaced the hard drive in my laptop which was bitlocked. When accessing this drive as an external device, a window appears asking for the... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Drivers and Hardware' started by tonyzam42, Jul 14, 2021.

  1. tonyzam42 Win User

    Removing BITLOCKER from an external drive


    Have replaced the hard drive in my laptop which was bitlocked. When accessing this drive as an external device, a window appears asking for the 48-digit Bitlocker recovery key. I have the Key ID. How do I get the recovery key?

    :)
     
    tonyzam42, Jul 14, 2021
    #1
  2. Nikhar_K Win User

    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
     
    Nikhar_K, Jul 14, 2021
    #2
  3. File back up to bitlockered external drive

    Thanks John.

    By trial and error the solution is,

    • Set the file back up to the desired external USB drive, Back up using file history.
    • Run backup to completion.
    • Dismount, (Remove) the drive used.
    • Remount (Plug in) the drive used for the file back up (Steps 1&2) and encrypt using Bitlocker.
    Note you can only encrypt drives using some versions of Windows (Pro for eg not Home)

    • Once the external drive has been encrypted dismount.
    • Remount the drive, go to the file back up option, Open, Settings, Backup,
      Back up using file history
      .
    • The drive should now still be visible and has been encrypted.
    • Accessing the drive will be dependant on how it was set up in Bitlocker,
      Open with this PC, password, pin code
      etc.
    • Repeat file back up as in the first two steps.

    Hope this helps someone else.
     
    Martin Holme, Jul 14, 2021
    #3
  4. Removing BITLOCKER from an external drive

    Bitlocker on multiple external drives

    Hi Myron,



    Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.



    I understand that you are facing issues with using bitlocker on Windows 10. I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.

    The issue could occur if bitlocker settings is incorrect.

    I suggest you to try decrypting the volume for the multiple external drives and then reset the bitlocker for the multiple drives.

    Refer to the below Microsoft Help Article.

    Note: The step provided in the below link is also applicable in Windows 10.

    Windows help & learning - Microsoft Support

    Let us know if you need any further assistance on Windows related issues and we will be glad to help.
     
    Nyima Yonten, Jul 14, 2021
    #4
Thema:

Removing BITLOCKER from an external drive

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