Understanding Bitlocker on Windows (Personal Devices)

BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that integrates with the operating system and addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen, or inappropriately decommissioned computers.

BitLocker provides the most protection when used with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 1.2 or later.
The TPM is a hardware component installed in many newer computers by the computer manufacturers.
It works with BitLocker to help protect user data and to ensure that a computer has not been tampered with while the system was offline

Important Things to Know
BitLocker may be turned on by default with some Windows 10/11 versions (e.g., Pro, etc.).
As Noted on Microsoft's Support Page
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/finding-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-in-windows-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6

If you are unable to locate the BitLocker recovery key, you’ll need to reset your device using one of the Windows recovery options.
Resetting your device will remove all of your files.
Microsoft support is unable to provide, or recreate, a lost BitLocker recovery key.

Before you start saving important files on your hard drive. We recommend turning off Bitlocker.
Due to the risk of losing files on your hard drive that is unrecoverable, without the Bitlocker Recovery Key.

How to Turn off Bitlocker 

Keep in mind you can only turn off Bitlocker if you are able to boot into your User Account.
If the drive is alreadly locked and asking for the Bitlocker Recovery Key upon booting up, the only way you can boot into Windows is by entering the Bitlocker Recovery Key.

Ensure that you have Administrator credentials to remove bitlocker encryption.
Follow the steps below to remove bitlocker encryption Windows Control Panel

 1.  Click Start, click Control Panel, click System and Security, and then click BitLocker Drive Encryption.

2.  Look for the drive on which you want BitLocker Drive Encryption turned off, and click Turn Off BitLocker.

3.  A message will be displayed, stating that the drive will be decrypted and that decryption may take some time.




For immediate help, contact the LTS Help Desk (Hours)
EWFM Library | Call: 610-758-4357 (8-HELP) | Text: 610-616-5910 | Chat | helpdesk@lehigh.edu
Submit a help request (login required)