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Methods to recover Lost Data from BitLocker

  • Writer: Jack Daniel
    Jack Daniel
  • Jul 11, 2024
  • 4 min read

What is BitLocker?


BitLocker Drive Encryption, also known as BitLocker, is a security and encryption feature that comes bundled with select new versions of Microsoft Windows. With BitLocker, users can ensure their data is secure by encrypting everything on their Windows drive, protecting it from theft or unauthorized access.




Microsoft BitLocker enhances file and system security by preventing unauthorized access to data. The Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm is utilized with either 128- or 256-bit keys. BitLocker combines the process of on-disk encryption with specialized techniques for managing encryption keys.


BitLocker was originally introduced with Windows Vista in 2007. However, with the release of Windows 10 version 1511, Microsoft made significant changes to BitLocker. These updates include new encryption algorithms, group policy settings, and support for removable operating system (OS) drives and data drives. This update works for Windows 11, 10, Server 2016 and newer. BitLocker is compatible with Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions.


Why You Lost Data from BitLocker HDD


At the time BitLocker protects data from being stolen or exposed to others, it's prone to lose data, too. Here are some common examples:


  • Mistakenly deleted files from 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.


Some reasons you might want to change a hard drive locked with BitLocker are:

While trying to format another disk, you might sometimes accidentally format the disk that has important data on it.


Intentional Formatting: You can't get to the data on a drive if the file system has been turned "raw." In this case, the only thing that can be done is to reset the disk. In the event that you format, you might lose the info.

Virus Attack: If a virus gets into your hard drive, the data on it might get ruined or make it impossible to view. In this case, the disk might be blocked by the computer's antivirus or firewall, making you erase it. In this case, the Windows firewall might get rid of BitLocker's information, which would mean that data would be lost.

Methods to Decrypt BitLocker-Encrypted Hard Drive

Here are the methods to disable BitLocker encryption:


Method 1: Using the BitLocker Drive Encryption Feature

Follow these steps to decrypt a BitLocker-encrypted drive:


  • Press the Start button.

  • Select the Control Panel.

  • Choose System and Security.

  • Select BitLocker Drive Encryption.

  • Click Decrypt Drive. (This option automatically unlocks the selected drive.)


 Method 2: Decrypt using Certificates


To decrypt a BitLocker-encrypted drive by using certificates, follow these steps:

[Note: For this, you need the certificate for the encrypted hard drive.]

  • Go to Start.

  • Type certmgr.msc and hit Enter.

  • Click to open Certificate Manager.

  • Choose a personal folder.

  • Choose Action > All Tasks >

Follow the Certificate Import Wizard and on-screen instructions.


Method 3: Utilizing Windows GUI Mode


Follow the steps below to disable BitLocker encryption.


[Note: Ensure that you have administrator credentials to disable BitLocker encryption.]


  • Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.

  • Look for the half BitLocker-encrypted drive, and then click Turn Off BitLocker.

  • The system will display a message indicating that decryption of the drive may take some time. Click "Turn off BitLocker/Decrypt the drive" to proceed and disable BitLocker on the drive.

This process may take some time to decrypt the drive and remove BitLocker protection.


Method 4: Decrypt via Windows PowerShell Mode.


You must install Windows PowerShell on your system in order to disable BitLocker encryption via Windows PowerShell mode. If it isn’t, download and install the supported Windows PowerShell version from the Microsoft website. Then, follow the given steps:

[Note: If the partition with the operating system contains any automatic unlocking keys, the cmdlet to disable BitLocker encryption won’t work. [Use the Clear-BitLocker Auto Unlock cmdlet in the PowerShell window to remove all automatic unlocking keys to disable BitLocker for the partition.]


Using Windows Powershell


Windows Power shell must be installed in your system. If not, download the proper Windows Power shell version from Microsoft website.


Disable BitLocker for all volumes

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

PS C:\>$BLV = Get-BitLockerVolumePS C:\>Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint $BLV

Step 2: Verify the decryption process.

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

Check decryption progress in "Volume Status" and "Encryption Percentage". These values must be "Fully Decrypted".

Disable BitLocker for a single volume.


Step 1: Open Windows Power shell in Administrator mode and disable-BitLocker -Mount Point "C:"


Step 2: Verify the decryption process by executing the command:PS C:\> Get-BitlockerVolume -MountPoint "C:"


Check decryption progress in "Volume Status" and "Encryption Percentage". The value must be "Fully Decrypted".


Extra Tips - How to Disable BitLocker Encryption

BitLocker can be disabled by the following modes:


1. Through Windows GUI mode


Ensure that you have administrator credentials to disable BitLocker encryption. Follow the steps given below to disable BitLocker encryption in GUI mode:


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


Step 2: Look for the drive on which you want BitLocker Drive Encryption turned off, and click "Turn Off BitLocker".


A message will be displayed, stating that the drive will be decrypted and that decryption may take some time. 


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


Conclusion

This blog discusses methods to recover deleted files lost due to the formatting of a BitLocker-encrypted disk. The best approach for data recovery from a BitLocker-encrypted drive is to use professional data recovery software, such as DRS BitLocker data recovery. Seek assistance from a professional data recovery service provider with expertise and experience in handling various data loss situations if the hard drive sustains physical damage.


 
 
 

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