Bitlocker encrypted external drive without user authorization - Microsoft Community

i use 2tb external hdd on dell xps laptop.

laptop on windows 10 home edition os, bitlocker turned on default (possibly local distributor of laptop) on c drive. have left on , made no changes it.

when plug in external hdd laptop, works fine, no indication encrypted or locked. bitlocker settings page on laptop not show drive encrypted , can plug-and-play hdd no problems.

but on desktop pc (or other pc other dell laptop), same external hdd shows encrypted bitlocker , requires 48-digit recovery key, not have. have checked on microsoft account recovery key laptop saved, recovery key (with key id) c drive of laptop found, not external drive.

as understand, bitlocker-to-go - encrypts external removable drives - feature available on windows 10 pro. desktop pc, use hdd, windows 10 pro. laptop windows 10 home , not have feature available it.

is possible since laptop c drive bitlocker encrypted, somehow extended encryption removable external drive? because external drive works when connected laptop, no indication bitlocker locked. if thats case, why laptop 48 digit recovery key didnt work on external drive? me turn off bitlocker on laptop , let decrypt c drive? if this, leave external drive connected while decrypting c drive?

knew drive encrypted bitlocker prompt window unlock drive states 'bitlocker #alphabet'

hello,

there several reasons might make pc go recovery mode. example, organization might have password security policy locks out after number of failed attempts sign in. or perhaps pc encountered hardware malfunction, unexpected configuration change, or security event. requiring recovery key helps ensure authorized person can unlock pc , restore access encrypted data.

bitlocker drive encryption protect files stored on drive windows installed on (operating system drive) , on fixed data drives (such internal hard drives). can use bitlocker go protect files stored on removable data drives (such external hard drives or usb flash drives).

depending on how pc set up, there different ways recovery key. please see information below:

1. if pc connected domain, may need contact administrator recovery key.

2. saved copy of recovery key. might have saved copy of bitlocker recovery key file, usb flash drive, or printed hard copy.

     a. if saved key file or printed it, find copy, follow instructions on locked pc, , enter key when prompted.
     b. if saved key usb flash drive, insert usb flash drive , follow instructions on pc. (if saved recovery key file on usb flash drive, you’ll need open file , manually enter recovery key.)

if key not working on desktop, , no other administrator on pc can find backup copy either, you’ll need restore pc factory default settings. choose option last resort because delete personal data pc.

if need further clarifications, feel free contact back.

thank you.

Windows / Windows 10 / Security & privacy / PC