BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that is integrated into the operating system. It is designed to secure data by encrypting entire volumes. This helps prevent data theft and critical data leakage, as only the owner possesses the decryption key.

It offers the highest level of protection when used in conjunction with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The TPM is a hardware component found in many newer computers. It collaborates with BitLocker to safeguard user data and verify that the computer hasn't been compromised while the system was offline. You can still use BitLocker without a TPM chip by employing software-based encryption, but this would necessitate additional authentication steps.

Why You Lost Data from BitLocker HDD Losing data from a BitLocker-encrypted hard drive can be a frustrating experience, and there could be various reasons behind it. Here are some common scenarios that might explain why your data is no longer accessible: 1. **Forgetting the Password or Recovery Key:** BitLocker uses a strong encryption system, which means that without the correct password or recovery key, you won't be able to access the data. If you have forgotten either of these, you will lose access to your files. 2. **Hardware Failure:** Any hardware issue with the hard drive, such as a damaged sectors, controller failure, or physical damage, can lead to data loss, even if the drive is BitLocker-encrypted. 3. **Software Issues:** Malware or viruses can corrupt the BitLocker encryption, making the data inaccessible. Additionally, system crashes, operating system updates, or improper shutdowns might also cause data loss. 4. **Accidental Deletion or Formatting:** Human error can lead to accidental deletion of files or formatting of the BitLocker-protected drive, causing permanent data loss unless backups are available. 5. **Wrong BitLocker Configuration:** Misconfiguring BitLocker settings, such as enabling encryption while important files are open, can result in data loss. 6. **OS Reinstallation:** Reinstalling the operating system or performing a clean install without backing up your data can erase the BitLocker encryption keys, rendering the data inaccessible. 7. **Third-Party Tools:** Using unauthorized or incompatible software to manage or recover data from a BitLocker drive may result in data corruption or loss. To prevent such situations, always ensure you have a backup of your important data, keep your recovery key safe, and maintain your system's health. In case of data loss, consider using professional data recovery services or software to retrieve your files.

While BitLocker secures data from being stolen or accessed by unauthorized individuals, it is also susceptible to data loss scenarios. Here are some common examples:

    • Mistakenly deleted files from a BitLocker encrypted hard drive.
    • Deleted BitLocker encrypted partition.
    • You formatted your hard drive and lost data.
    • Your hard drive was infected with a virus.
    • Your hard drive is corrupted and you cannot access it.

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How to Recover Data from a BitLocker Encrypted Hard Drive

When your encrypted hard drive experiences significant data loss, it is crucial to retrieve your data using the best data recovery software. First, decrypt your hard drive, and then utilize tools like Data Recovery Wizard for recovery. Here are the reasons why you should choose this data recovery software:

Simple Operation

The new interface simplifies the process of initiating a recovery session to an extreme degree. It is user-friendly and does not require any technical background to operate.

Wide Compatibility

It supports nearly all Windows systems, including Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP, and Windows Server 2019/2016/2012/2008/2003.

High Quality

This software boasts an excellent data recovery quality. It can thoroughly scan the drive without causing any harm to the original data.

Now, follow the steps to retrieve data from a BitLocker encrypted hard drive:

Step 1. Select the encrypted drive to scan

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard, and you will see the BitLocker encrypted drive displayed there.

Select the BitLocker drive to scan

Upon clicking the encrypted partition, a pop-up window will prompt you to enter a password to unlock it. Input the key and then click the "Scan" button to search for any lost files.

注意: 如果您忘记了密钥,可以尝试使用“自动解密”来帮助解密驱动器。但此方法可能无效。如果失败,该程序将无法扫描驱动器。

Decrypt the drive with password

Step 2. Select and preview scanned files This step involves choosing and previewing the files that have been scanned. After the scanning process is complete, you will be presented with a list of all the detected files. You can浏览 (browse) through this list, and 先预览 (preview) the contents of each file to ensure they are the ones you intend to work with or recover. This feature allows you to make an informed decision before taking any further action.

The software will initiate a quick scan for deleted files and conduct an advanced scan for additional lost files. Upon completion of the process, you can utilize the "Filter" feature or click the "Search files or folders" button to swiftly locate the lost files.

Scan the drive for lost partition

Step 3. Recover lost files from BitLocker encrypted hard drive

After previewing the file, click the "Recover" button to restore deleted or lost files from a BitLocker encrypted partition on Windows.

restore and save lost data

Additional Tips - How to Disable BitLocker Encryption

BitLocker can be disabled through the following modes:

1. Via the Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) mode

Make sure you have administrator privileges to disable BitLocker encryption. Follow the steps below to disable BitLocker encryption in Graphical User Interface (GUI) mode:

Step 1: Click Start, Control Panel, System and Security, and then click "BitLocker Drive Encryption".

Step 2: Locate the drive for which you want to disable BitLocker Drive Encryption, and click "Turn Off BitLocker."

A message will appear stating that the drive will be decrypted, and that this might take some time.

Step 3: Click "Turn off BitLocker / Decrypt the drive" to disable BitLocker on the drive.

2. Utilizing Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell must be installed on your system. If it is not, download the appropriate version of Windows PowerShell from the Microsoft website.

Disable BitLocker for all volumes

Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell in Administrator mode and execute the following commands:

PS C:\>$BLV = Get-BitLockerVolume
PS C:\>Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint $BLV
This is PowerShell code that retrieves all BitLocker volumes using the `Get-BitLockerVolume` cmdlet and assigns them to the variable `$BLV`. Then, it disables BitLocker for the volumes stored in `$BLV` using the `Disable-BitLocker` cmdlet with the `-MountPoint` parameter.

Step 2: Verify the decryption process.

Execute this command:
PS C:\> Get-BitLockerVolume

Check the decryption progress in "Volume Status" and "Encryption Percentage." Both values should read "FullyDecrypted."

Disable BitLocker for a specific volume

Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell in Administrator mode and run the command: Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:"

Step 2: Validate the decryption process by running the following command: PS C:\> Get-BitLockerVolume -MountPoint "C:"

Check the decryption progress under "Volume Status" and "Encryption Percentage." The value should read "FullyDecrypted."