How to turn off BitLocker in Windows 11
Microsoft’s BitLocker provides robust encryption for the data on your Windows 11 devices. However, the degree of protection it offers may not be suitable for everyone at all times. This article demonstrates how to turn off BitLocker encryption and also clarifies the implications of doing so. Even if you can no longer find your BitLocker recovery key, you can still try using the Magic Recovery Key to retrieve it.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
Table of Contents
Why Do People turn off BitLocker Encryption?
In general, having BitLocker enabled is beneficial. It safeguards your computer against malware and hacking attempts, and it ensures the security of all your data in case your Windows 11 device gets stolen. Nevertheless, in certain rare circumstances, some people do decide to turn off BitLocker, or at least suspend it temporarily, for several reasons.
Slower Device Performance: BitLocker has been proven to decrease the read and write speeds of the hard drive.
Device Restrictions: When BitLocker is active, it can prevent you from making major modifications, like installing a secondary operating system.
Future – Planning Concerns: Some individuals are concerned that if something were to happen to them, their family members might be unable to access their computer due to the BitLocker encryption.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that when you need to make significant hardware or operating – system changes on your Windows 11 device, temporarily suspending BitLocker is always an available option.
The Steps for Suspending Bitlocker
1. Click on the Start Menu. In the search box, type “Manage BitLocker“, then hit Enter to open the Manage BitLocker window.
2. Click Suspend protection for the desired drive.
The Steps for turning off Bitlocker Windows 11
Use the following steps to turn off BitLocker:
Note: Decrypting the drive may take some time.
1. Search for and open Control Panel.
2. Select BitLocker Drive Encryption.
3. Select Turn off Bitlocker.
What Should I Do If I Lost Bitlocker Key？
Using the BitLocker recovery key to decrypt BitLocker is almost an unavoidable BitLocker decryption solution. If you’ve lost your BitLocker recovery key, you can try looking for it in your Microsoft account, searching for relevant keywords on your computer, or contacting Microsoft technical support. Here’s a more convenient and efficient way to find the BitLocker recovery key: using Magic Recovery Key. You can retrieve it in just a few steps.
1. Please download and install Magic Recovery Key from a reputable source to proceed.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
2. Then open the software and select BitLocker Recovery Key in the left menu.
3. Click “Search” to prompt the software to scan for the BitLocker key. Upon finding the key, copy it and proceed to unlock your encrypted drive.
Conclusion
Turning off BitLocker in Windows 11 can be useful when you need better disk performance, plan major system changes, or face compatibility issues. However, it also removes the encryption layer that protects your data from unauthorized access. Before disabling BitLocker, always make sure you have backed up your important files and securely saved your BitLocker recovery key.
If you only need to make temporary changes—such as updating BIOS, reinstalling Windows, or changing hardware—using Suspend protection is often safer than fully decrypting your drive. But if you do decide to turn BitLocker off, follow the steps carefully and ensure the decryption process completes without interruption. Proper preparation helps you avoid data loss and ensures your device remains secure even after BitLocker is disabled. If you cannot find your bitlocker keys, please try Magic Recovery key to find the bitlocker key first.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
FAQs
How long does it take to turn off BitLocker in Windows 11?
Can I turn off BitLocker without the recovery key?
Will turning off BitLocker delete my files?
What’s the difference between Suspend and Turn Off BitLocker?
Can Windows 11 Home edition turn off BitLocker?
Does disabling BitLocker improve performance?
Where is my BitLocker recovery key stored?
Why can’t I turn off BitLocker on my drive?
