4 Ways to Remove BitLocker from External Hard Drive

Updated by

Tracy King 

Updated on Nov 05, 2024

To safeguard your data, Windows comes equipped with BitLocker. It is an encryption tool that encrypts the entire drive. In particular, it strengthens the defenses against theft or loss of external drives by making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access the contents stored on those devices. Though BitLocker offers strong security, it may not be practical for many users.

Advantages and Disadvantages of BitLocker:

Many users get rid of BitLocker from their external hard drives because of these drawbacks. Typical reasons include streamlining access across several devices, avoiding possible data recovery problems, or enhancing general system performance.

Now let's learn about the four easy ways to remove BitLocker from an external hard drive.

How to Remove BitLocker from External Hard Drive? 4 Ways

Depending on your choice and the tools available, removing BitLocker from an external hard drive can be accomplished in several ways. Here are the four simple methods to assist you in decoding your external drive. Given the simplicity of Control Panel it is advised for the users seeking fastest and most effective method. However, Free Partition Manager Software like EaseUS Todo PC Trans will be your finest choice if you have forgotten your BitLocker recovery key or password.

Here are the four methods to remove BitLocker from an external hard drive:

If your external hard drive contains nothing important data, you can directly refer to Method 4 to remove BitLocker from external hard drive directly in a few simple clicks.

Now let's talk about each method in detail, look at their advantages and how they work.

#1. Using Control Panel

One simple tool in Windows that allows users adjust BitLocker encryption and other system settings is the Control Panel. Because of its simplicity and convenience of use, this strategy is especially beneficial for those who prefer graphical interfaces over command-line tools.

Steps to remove BitLocker from external hard drive with Control Panel:

• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog and type control and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
• Click on System and Security and Select BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Find your external hard drive in the list of available drives. Click on "Turn off BitLocker" next to the drive.

• Click Yes or Turn off BitLocker to when the prompt appers.

Ensure your external drive is connected throughout the entire process to avoid any interruptions.

#2. Using Command Prompt  

The Command Prompt is a utility in Windows responsible for performing a large number of commands, including the management of the BitLocker encryption. This method is perfect for those users who are familiar with command prompt and require more control over the decryption process.

Steps to remove Bitlocker from external hard drive via CMD:

• Type cmd in the search box. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. 
• Type: manage-bde-astatus and hit enter.
• It will display the encryption status of all drives..
• Identify the drive letter of your external hard drive from the status report.
• Type the following command and press Enter: manage-bde -off K: (replace K: with your drive letter)

It will initiate the decryption process.

The process may take some time, depending on the drive size and amount of data. Ensure the external drive remains connected throughout the decryption process. You will receive a notification once the decryption is complete.

#3. Running PowerShell

PowerShell is a scripting language which can be used in system administration and automation in systems with Windows OS. It is more complex and provides enhanced features for working with BitLocker encryption; it can be used for decryption by the users who are familiar with the command-line interface and need more detailed settings for the decryption process.

Steps to remove bitlocker from external hard drive via Powershell:

• Right-click Windows PowerShell in search results and choose Run as administrator.
• Enter the following command: Get-BitLockerVolume lists all system volumes' BitLocker state.Identify your external hard drive's drive letter or volume ID from the status report.
• Identify your external hard drive's drive letter or volume ID from the status report.
• Type the following command and press Enter: Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint "X:" (replace X: with your drive letter or volume ID)

This command starts the decryption process.

Ensure the external drive remains connected throughout the decryption process. PowerShell will notify you once the decryption is complete.

If you encounter issues, verify that PowerShell is running with administrative privileges and that the drive letter is correct.

#4. Trying Free Partition Manager Software

A reliable partition manager software like EaseUS Partition Master Free can really be helpful for users who have forgotten their BitLocker password or recovery key. Without an original password or recovery key, it allows you to tackle BitLocker encryption problems and manage disc partitions. It's a great way to get BitLocker out of external hard drives and overcomes access issues.

Steps to remove BitLocker from external hard drive by formatting:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card which you want to format and choose the "Format" option.

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting your external hard drive/USB/SD card.

EaseUS Partition Master is a very useful tool for users who have problems gaining access because it can uninstall BitLocker without requiring a password. To prevent compatibility issues, make sure you have the most recent version of the software.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate method might make removing BitLocker from an external hard drive easy. Most users find the Control Panel technique easiest and most user-friendly. The graphical interface makes decryption quick and easy.

Command Prompt and PowerShell give command-line users additional control and flexibility. These techniques work but require greater technical understanding.

If you forget your BitLocker password or recovery key, EaseUS Partition Master is advised. Its reliable BitLocker encryption removal without the original password or recovery key makes it an invaluable tool for access concerns.

Overall, the Control Panel is better for speed and convenience. Command Prompt and PowerShell are great for advanced users. For easy password or key troubles, use EaseUS Partition Master.

Choose the method that suits your situation and technical comfort. If you need help, use expert products like EaseUS Partition Master.

FAQs on Removing BitLocker from External Hard Drive

If you have other queries about removing BitLocker from an external hard drive. These oftenly asked questions and answers can help you. 

1. Can I bypass BitLocker when I forgot the password?

If you forget your BitLocker password, bypassing encryption can be difficult. BitLocker isn't easy to defeat because it protects your data. However, EaseUS Partition Master can deactivate BitLocker encryption without the password, which is beneficial if you lost your recovery key. Always back up vital data to avoid loss.

2. Is it necessary to add BitLocker to an external hard drive?

If you want to secure sensitive data on an external hard disc, BitLocker is optional but recommended. In case the drive is lost or stolen, BitLocker encrypts your data. BitLocker is recommended for sensitive or personal data security. You may not encrypt the drive for ordinary use or non-sensitive data.