How to close an open BitLocker drive w/o rebooting?


  1. Posts : 39
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    How to close an open BitLocker drive w/o rebooting?


    Win7 Ult x64
    Very often I'll open the one drive that I have encrypted with BitLocker, then want to close it after accessing it.
    The only way I've been able to find how to do this is to reboot.
    It seems that there must be a way to close the drive without going through that complicated of a process to do it.
    Any suggestions?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,605
    Originally Win 7 Hm Prem x64 Ver 6.1.7600 Build 7601-SP1 | Upgraded to Windows 10 December 14, 2019
       #2

    There may be two possible solutions:

    This one uses a CMD line:
    BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows 7: How do I "lock" a data drive? | Frequently Asked Questions

    And this one involves adding a context entry through the registry:
    Bitlocker - Lock an Unlocked Drive

    Check the bottom of the tutorial there may be related tutorials, like this one:
    "Lock Drive" - Add to Context Menu of BitLocker Drives

    The last two seem more useful. Don't forget to backup your registry
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 39
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you Anak.
    I now can access my BitLocker drive in the manner I want to.
    It works like a charm.
    I used the third thread's instructions and downloads, very concise and easy to implement.

    MS should have made this standard or at least an option easily available to choose.
    I have fumbled around with this for years, cussing MS out every time I had to reboot to close the drive.
    Thank you again.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,605
    Originally Win 7 Hm Prem x64 Ver 6.1.7600 Build 7601-SP1 | Upgraded to Windows 10 December 14, 2019
       #4

    Your welcome voyager, I'm glad to hear one of those sorted out your problem. If you ever have a problem check SevenForms extensive Tutorial Section to see if there is something there that can help, there usually is.

    Thank you for the rep, and for marking your thread solved.
      My Computer


 

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