Disabling BitLocker/Drive Encryption

This guide pertains to Windows 11. The protocols for Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro are different; refer to the appropriate section below.

Note

Disabling BitLocker can take a long time, as the drive must be decrypted. Ensure your computer is plugged in during this time, to prevent data loss.

Windows 11 Home: Turn off Device Encryption

1. Search Device Encryption Settings in the Windows search bar (1), then click Open (2).

   

2. Turn the Device Encryption setting to off (3)

   

3. Confirm the choice by clicking Turn off (4) in the dialog.

   

Windows 11 Professional: Turn off BitLocker Encryption

1. Search Manage BitLocker in the Windows search bar (1), then click Open (2).

   

2. Select Turn off BitLocker (3) on the drive you want to decrypt.

   

3. If the drive is currently locked, you will need to select Unlock Drive and type the BitLocker key.

   

4. Confirm the choice by clicking Turn off BitLocker (4) to turn off BitLocker.