How to Lock Bitlocker Again Without Restart

BitLocker encryption provides a great way of securing your whole drive. You lot can utilise it to encrypt your files. In fact, your new files will automatically be encrypted when they are copied to your drive. You can as well protect the drive that has the Windows installed on it. Lastly, yous can also protect the removal devices with BitLocker encryption. The adept thing about BitLocker encryption is that information technology doesn't crave you lot to decrypt the files before copying them to some other drive or PC. If you re-create the encrypted files to another PC and so they will automatically be decrypted.

BitLocker is very adept at protecting your drive and operating organization. It will check your system for any security problems at every startup. And if information technology finds anything suspicious, BitLocker will lock the bulldoze and operating system. You will then demand to unlock the drive in order to use it properly again. Y'all have enough of options to choose from when information technology comes to unlocking your drive. You can pick a PIN or a Password or an external bulldoze with a startup key as well.

Then if you are planning on using the BitLocker for your Windows, here are the steps for turning BitLocker on or off.

Tip

BitLocker is just available for Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Instruction editions. And so keep that in listen earlier trying to get BitLocker for your Windows version.
Also, ensure that you bulldoze is in GPT layout manner and also ensure that yous are using the UEFI Security Mode in Bios.

Plow On BitLocker

The proficient matter well-nigh BitLocker is that you don't take to download anything from the internet. BitLocker is available in all versions of Windows (starting from Windows Vista). So, your Windows comes pre-installed with BitLocker.

Now, at that place are multiple ways of turning on the BitLocker depending on a couple of factors. The first thing that volition affect the way you plough on your BitLocker is whether yous have TPM or not. TPM, if you don't already know, is Trusted Platform Module Chip. This scrap allows systems to have hardware level security related functions. So, a device with a TPM will have a different style of turning on BitLocker when compared to the device with no TPM chip. We can go into a lot of detail for TPM simply that'southward not the point hither. The second gene that affects how you lot turn on the BitLocker is how y'all desire to unlock the operating system. Simply, let's accept a look to check whether you have a TPM chip or not.

Check whether you have a TPM or not via Device Managing director

Hold Windows fundamental and press R
Blazon devmgmt.msc and press Enter

Go through the device manager listing and expect for the entry named Security Devices
Double Click Security Devices

If yous have a TPM fleck and then you should be able to encounter a Trusted Platform Module nether Security Devices. If there is no entry named Trusted Platform Module nether Security Devices so you don't have a TPM scrap

Check whether you lot take a TPM or not via TPM Management Console

Concord Windows key and printing R
Blazon tpm.msc and press Enter

In the center section of the TPM direction console, you should be able to see the status of the TPM. If you lot don't have a TPM chip and so yous will meet a message like TPM not constitute or a variation of that message.

Turn on BitLocker for systems without TPM

If you don't have a TPM flake on your system then you can turn your BitLocker on by following the steps given beneath. As well notation that this will work if you don't want to use the TPM (fifty-fifty if your arrangement has it).

If your organization isn't using a TPM chip then y'all tin unlock your Operating system either with a password or a USB wink drive.

To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Countersign or USB flash drive

The steps given below should be followed if you don't desire to employ the TPM flake on your board or if you don't actually have a TPM bit.

Hold Windows key and printing R
Type gpedit. msc and printing Enter

At present, navigate to this location Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/BitLocker Drive Encryption/Operating System Drives. If you don't know how to navigate to this location then follow the steps given below
1. Locate and double click Computer Configurations folder from the left pane
2. Locate and double click Administrative Templates folder from the left pane
3. Locate and double click Windows Components folder from the left pane
4. Locate and double click BitLocker Drive Encryption folder from the left pane
5. Locate and select Operating Organisation Drives from the left pane

Double click Require boosted authentication at startup from the right pane

Select Enable option from the top
Check the option Allow BitLocker without a uniform TPM (requires a password or a startup key on a USB flash drive)

Once done, yous volition be able to unlock your Os with a Countersign or a USB Flash Bulldoze at the startup. You should skip the next section and go directly to the Options for Turning on BitLocker department.

Plow on BitLocker for systems with TPM

If y'all have a TPM chip on your system then yous have a wide range of options to unlock your OS at startup. Y'all can choose not to use the TPM chip and unlock via a countersign or a USB flash drive. You tin can also use a Pivot or a startup cardinal to unlock your Os every bit well. These are the four options bachelor for you. If you don't want to use the TPM bit and want to unlock your Bone with password or USB flash drive then go to the previous section named Turn on BitLocker for system without TPM. Otherwise, go on.

Note: If you don't want to become into the settings and change anything and so you can just skip this section. This section is for the people who desire to change the style they unlock the operating system. If you desire your computer to automatically unlock your operating arrangement then but skip the next section and get directly to the Options for Turning on BitLocker section.

To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Configured TPM Settings

Agree Windows key and press R
Type gpedit. msc and printing Enter

At present, navigate to this location Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/BitLocker Bulldoze Encryption/Operating System Drives. If you don't know how to navigate to this location then follow the steps given beneath
1. Locate and double click Reckoner Configurations folder from the left pane
2. Locate and double click Authoritative Templates binder from the left pane
3. Locate and double click Windows Components folder from the left pane
4. Locate and double click BitLocker Bulldoze Encryption folder from the left pane
5. Locate and select Operating Arrangement Drives from the left pane

Double click Require additional authentication at startup from the right pane

Select Enable option from the superlative
Uncheck the option Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM (requires a password or a startup central on a USB flash bulldoze)
Select Allow TPM selection from the driblet down menu of Configure TPM Startup
Select Let startup Pivot with TPM option from the drop downwards menu of Configure TPM Startup Pivot
Select Allow startup key with TPM selection from the drop downwards menu of Configure TPM startup key
Select Permit Startup Key and PIN with TPM option from the drib down menu of Configure TPM Startup key and Pin
Click Ok

In one case done, you will be able to unlock your OS with a PIN or a security key at the startup. Now get to the Options for Turning on BitLocker department (next section).

Options for Turning on BitLocker

Turn on BitLocker via context menu

Hold Windows primal and press Eastward
Right click your C drive and select Turn on BitLocker

Click Turn on BitLocker. Note: If you didn't follow the steps in "To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Configured TPM Settings" or "To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Countersign or USB flash drive" and you have a TPM chip then you will see the window in step eight. Steps 4, 5, 6, and seven volition exist skipped for you.

No TPM or You Chose not to use TPM: If you don't take a TPM then you will run into a window with two options. The kickoff option will be Insert a USB wink drive and the second option volition be Enter a countersign. Insert a USB flash drive will save a recovery primal on your USB flash drive. On the other mitt, Enter a countersign selection will permit you set a countersign and you'll employ that countersign to unlock your Operating system.
Select the appropriate option and proceed.
If you accept a TPM: Now, if you lot have a TPM bit and yous followed the instructions in the section "To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Configured TPM Settings" then you'll see this window. You will take iii options. Enter a Pivot option will permit yous select a PIN with the help of which yous'll be able to unlock your Os. Insert a USB flash drive will save a recovery key on your USB flash drive. Let BitLocker automatically unlock my drive will unlock your OS automatically and y'all won't have to do annihilation.

Select the advisable option and proceed.
Yous will see a window asking yous to select your recovery key backup options. Now, yous will see iii options.
Relieve to your Microsoft account pick will salve the recovery central on your Microsoft business relationship's one drive. This will work if y'all are signed in with your Microsoft account.

The Save to a file option volition save the recovery key to a .txt file at a location of your choosing
The Print the recovery key choice will print your key via the connected printer
In some cases, you might besides come across a iv^th This option volition be Save to a USB wink bulldoze. You tin select this option if y'all desire to salvage the recovery file to your external drive.
Once done, you'll accept to pick how much of your bulldoze needs to be encrypted. Select the option that all-time suits you and click Next

Now yous'll encounter a windows request to yous cull which encryption mode to use. You should select New encryption fashion if your bulldoze is fixed and will run at least Windows ten. The Compatible encryption style is suitable for removable devices. Once you select the option, click Next

Cheque the Run BitLocker system check box if you lot want your drive to get checked past BitLocker. This might take some time just we highly recommend this option. You tin uncheck the option if you want also.
In one case you have select (or deselected) the selection, click Continue and you should be expert to become.

Your arrangement will restart. Wait till the encryption is finished and you should be good to go.

Turn on BitLocker via Manage option

Agree Windows key and press E
Select the drive that you desire to protect via BitLocker
Click Manage
Select BitLocker from the newly opened options

Click Plough on BitLocker. Note: If you didn't follow the steps in "To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Configured TPM Settings" or "To Unlock Operating System Bulldoze at Startup with Password or USB wink drive" and you lot have a TPM bit so you will meet the window in footstep 8. Steps 4, five, half dozen, and 7 volition be skipped for you.

No TPM or You lot Chose not to use TPM: If you don't accept a TPM then you will encounter a window with ii options. The first pick will be Insert a USB wink drive and the 2d option will be Enter a countersign. Insert a USB flash drive will save a recovery key on your USB wink drive. On the other hand, Enter a password pick will let you set a password and yous'll use that password to unlock your Operating system.
Select the appropriate option and go along.
If you have a TPM: Now, if you lot have a TPM chip and y'all followed the instructions in the section "To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Configured TPM Settings" so you'll see this window. Yous volition have iii options. Enter a PIN option will let you select a PIN with the assistance of which you'll exist able to unlock your OS. Insert a USB flash bulldoze volition save a recovery cardinal on your USB flash drive. Let BitLocker automatically unlock my drive will unlock your OS automatically and y'all won't have to do annihilation.

Select the appropriate option and proceed.
You volition see a window asking y'all to select your recovery key fill-in options. At present, y'all will run across 3 options.
Save to your Microsoft business relationship option will save the recovery key on your Microsoft account's one drive. This will work if you are signed in with your Microsoft account.

The Save to a file selection will save the recovery key to a .txt file at a location of your choosing
The Print the recovery key selection will print your central via the connected printer
In some cases, yous might also run into a 4^th This option will be Relieve to a USB wink drive. You can select this option if you lot want to save the recovery file to your external drive.
Once done, y'all'll have to option how much of your drive needs to be encrypted. Select the option that best suits y'all and click Next

Now you'll encounter a windows request to you choose which encryption way to employ. You should select New encryption mode if your bulldoze is fixed and volition run at least Windows ten. The Uniform encryption fashion is suitable for removable devices. Once yous select the option, click Next

Cheque the Run BitLocker system bank check box if you want your drive to go checked by BitLocker. This might have some time but nosotros highly recommend this option. You tin uncheck the option if you want too.
Once you accept select (or deselected) the option, click Continue and you should be good to go.

Your system volition restart. Wait till the encryption is finished and you lot should exist expert to get.

Turn on BitLocker via Command Panel

Concur Windows key and press R
Type control console and press Enter

Select Small icons from the drop downwards menu in View past section

Select BitLocker Bulldoze Encryption

Click Turn on BitLocker. Note: If you didn't follow the steps in "To Unlock Operating System Drive at Startup with Configured TPM Settings" or "To Unlock Operating Organization Drive at Startup with Countersign or USB flash drive" and you take a TPM chip and then you volition see the window in step 8. Steps four, five, vi, and 7 will be skipped for you.

No TPM or Y'all Chose non to apply TPM: If you don't have a TPM then you volition come across a window with two options. The first option volition be Insert a USB flash drive and the 2d option will be Enter a password. Insert a USB flash drive will save a recovery fundamental on your USB wink drive. On the other paw, Enter a password option volition let you lot gear up a password and you lot'll use that password to unlock your Operating organisation.
Select the appropriate selection and proceed.
If you have a TPM: Now, if y'all have a TPM scrap and you lot followed the instructions in the department "To Unlock Operating Arrangement Bulldoze at Startup with Configured TPM Settings" then yous'll see this window. You lot volition have three options. Enter a Pin pick volition allow y'all select a Pin with the help of which yous'll be able to unlock your OS. Insert a USB flash drive will save a recovery primal on your USB flash drive. Let BitLocker automatically unlock my drive will unlock your Os automatically and you won't take to do anything.

Select the advisable option and keep.
Y'all volition run across a window asking you to select your recovery central backup options. At present, you will see 3 options.
Save to your Microsoft business relationship pick volition save the recovery key on your Microsoft business relationship'south one drive. This will work if you lot are signed in with your Microsoft business relationship.

The Save to a file choice will salvage the recovery key to a .txt file at a location of your choosing
The Impress the recovery key selection will impress your key via the continued printer
In some cases, y'all might also run into a four^th This selection will be Save to a USB flash drive. You can select this pick if you want to relieve the recovery file to your external drive.
In one case washed, yous'll take to pick how much of your drive needs to be encrypted. Select the selection that best suits yous and click Next

Now you'll see a windows asking to you lot choose which encryption style to employ. You should select New encryption manner if your bulldoze is fixed and will run at least Windows x. The Compatible encryption style is suitable for removable devices. Once you select the option, click Next

Check the Run BitLocker organisation check box if yous desire your drive to get checked by BitLocker. This might take some fourth dimension but we highly recommend this option. You can uncheck the pick if you desire equally well.
Once y'all have select (or deselected) the option, click Continue and you should be skillful to go.

Your system will restart. Look till the encryption is finished and you should be good to go.

Plow off BitLocker

You have 3 primary options to turn off BitLocker. The options and the steps to perform those tasks are given beneath

Plough Off BitLocker via Command Prompt

Printing Windows key one time
Blazon command prompt in the Windows Beginning Search
Correct click control prompt and select Run as ambassador

Type manage-bde -off <drive alphabetic character> and printing Enter. Note: Replace <drive letter of the alphabet> with the actual drive letter. Your control should await similar this manage-bde -off C:

You should be able to encounter a message saying Decryption is in process

Plow Off BitLocker via Powershell

Printing Windows central once
Type powershell in the Windows Beginning Search
Right click Windows Powershell and select Run as administrator
Type Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint "<drive letter>:" and printing Enter. Note: Supersede <bulldoze letter> with the bodily drive alphabetic character. Your control should await like this Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:"