Although BitLocker allows you to use encryption on a drive to protect your data from unauthorized access, it has a caveat. It may cause problems when for certain operations, such as when upgrading to a newer version of Windows 11, updating non-Microsoft apps, or when the system may need to install a firmware update. If the encryption feature is causing issues, you don’t need to disable it. You only have to suspend the feature, complete the task, and then resume BitLocker. Now, in the case that you no longer need to protect your data with encryption, then you can disable BitLocker completely. You can perform these tasks on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education through the Settings app or PowerShell. In the case that you have Windows 11 Home, then you need to use these instructions to disable BitLocker device encryption. This guide will teach you the steps to temporarily or permanently disable BitLocker on Windows 11.
Disable BitLocker on Windows 11 Suspend BitLocker on Windows 11
Disable BitLocker on Windows 11
If you want to stop using BitLocker, you can disable the feature altogether through the Settings app and PowerShell.
Turn off BitLocker from Settings
To disable BitLocker encryption on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, BitLocker will disable encryption on the specified drive.
Turn off BitLocker from PowerShell
To disable BitLocker with PowerShell commands, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the system will decrypt the drive and disable BitLocker permanently on Windows 11.
Suspend BitLocker on Windows 11
On Windows 11, you can suspend BitLocker encryption in at least two ways through the Settings app and PowerShell.
Suspend BitLocker from Settings
To suspend BitLocker temporarily on a Windows 11 drive, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the encryption protection will be temporarily disabled, allowing you to perform updates, such as firmware and non-Microsoft app updates.
If you want to resume, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but on step 8, make sure to turn on the “Resume protection” option and click the Yes button.
Suspend BitLocker from PowerShell
To suspend BitLocker with PowerShell commands, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the system will disable BitLocker temporarily on the system drive, allowing you to perform different tasks that otherwise could cause problems. The “-RebootCount 0” option specifies the many times the computer will reboot before re-enabling BitLocker. You can change the number to a maximum of 15.
If you want to resume the protection immediately, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but in step 3, run the Resume-BitLocker -MountPoint “C:” command. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
