BitLocker just encrypted a drive on my PC and I can't unlock it

[GreekWasabi]

I have Windows 11 Home (not Pro) and turned my PC on to discover that one of my storage drives is suddenly encrypted with BitLocker.  When I go to unlock it, I get an error message that the version of windows isn't compatible with the encryption.

 

The drive is actually an iscsi drive I've setup to my NAS.  It's not local.  Any idea how I can get this unlocked? 

 

Thank you!

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

37 minutes ago, GreekWasabi said:

I have Windows 11 Home (not Pro) and turned my PC on to discover that one of my storage drives is suddenly encrypted with BitLocker.  When I go to unlock it, I get an error message that the version of windows isn't compatible with the encryption.

 

The drive is actually an iscsi drive I've setup to my NAS.  It's not local.  Any idea how I can get this unlocked? 

 

Thank you!

Windows 11 Home doesn't use BitLocker, but rather a tuned down version called Drive Encryption. You should be able to turn it off from Settings  > Update & Security > Device encryption.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/device-encryption-in-windows-ad5dcf4b-dbe0-2331-228f-7925c2a3012d#:~:text=To turn on Windows device encryption&text=Select the Start button%2C then,turned off%2C select Turn on.

[GreekWasabi]

20 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Windows 11 Home doesn't use BitLocker, but rather a tuned down version called Drive Encryption. You should be able to turn it off from Settings  > Update & Security > Device encryption.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/device-encryption-in-windows-ad5dcf4b-dbe0-2331-228f-7925c2a3012d#:~:text=To turn on Windows device encryption&text=Select the Start button%2C then,turned off%2C select Turn on.

Thank you.  However the device encryption is already disabled, and everywhere I look the drive is specifically BitLocker Encrypted. 

 

In sysinfo the "device encryption support" says "Reasons for failed automatic device encryption: PCR7 binding is not supported, Un-allowed DMA capable bus/device(s) detected, WinRE is not configured."  And I definitely have Home, not Pro...

 

Is it possible to force decrypt in recovery mode or the command prompt? 

 

[spunk.funk]

Try turning Bit Locker OFF https://www.howtogeek.com/805225/disable-bitlocker/

[GreekWasabi]

14 hours ago, spunk.funk said:

Try turning Bit Locker OFF https://www.howtogeek.com/805225/disable-bitlocker/

Yeah that's the thing I can't.... because I'm on Win 11 Home.... and I don't have access to bitlocker.

 

I honestly don't know how this happened.  I've never owned a Pro edition, yet BitLocker has this drive locked...

 

 

[spunk.funk]

The instructions are for Windows 11?

Go to Search and type Control Panel and press Enter. Select BitLocker Drive Encryption. 

[SRSB]

I had an issue with an office Laptop where the computer was convinced it was encrypted, but at the same time told me it wasn't whenever I tried to do something with it, but still wouldn't let me do it as suprise suprise it still blocked it thinking it was, so weird, anyway here's the solution that worked for me


Computer says Bitlocker isn't on/Used Space Only Encrypted But it is active -Solution

1. Check status
Open CMD/ Type: manage-bde -status

2. If says “ Decrypted “ or “ Used Space Only Encrypted “ but Bitlocker is enabled / blocking you from doing something to get it off….

Take these next steps…….

1. If it think bit locker is off, then enable it
Control Panel/ System and Security/ BitLocker Drive Encryption/ Turn Bitlocker On/ ( Restart computer normally )


2. Get the Bit locker key by repeating step 1 to get to the Bitlocker Menu in control panel
Click Backup BitLocker Key/ Print or Save PDF/ Write down the Recovery Key ( Only Numbers No Letters )


3. Boot Windows into Recovery Mode
Hold Shift when click Restart


4. Once loaded follow goto
Troubleshoot/ Command Prompt


5. Enter Recovery key when asked


6. Enter Command to Decrypt
Enter: Manage-bde -off C:
( or whichever drive letter it is thats encrypted )





Notes:
To check on Progress type manage-bde -status until encryption status is at 0.00%

Then close CMD with the red X in top right and continue to boot into windows normally