Windows 7 - BitLocker Drive Encryption - Suspend or Resume Protection on Windows 7 Drive

   Information

This will show you how to temporarily suspend (unlock) BitLocker drive encryption protection on a Windows 7 or other operating system drive or partition, and to resume (lock) protection when needed.

   Note

Suspend protection is typically used when upgrading your computer's BIOS, hardware, operating system, or just when you temporarily do not want the drive encrypted.

   Warning

BitLocker is only available in the Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise editions.

When you suspend protection, the data on the Windows 7 or other operating system drive or patition will temporarily not be encrypted until you resume protection again. This does not permanently turn of BitLocker drive encryption to the drive.

1. Open the Control Panel (All Items view), and click on the BitLocker Drive Encryption icon.

2. Click on Suspend Protection for the Windows 7 or other operating system drive or partition letter. (See screenshot below)

3. Click on Yes to apply. (See screenshot below)

4. You will now see this BitLocker icon in the taskbar notification area (far right) indicating that BitLocker Drive Encryption has been disabled for the selected drive. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: While BitLocker Drive Encryption is disabled, you will not need to plug in the USB flash drive containing the startup key.

1. Open the Control Panel (All Items view), and click on the BitLocker Drive Encryption icon.

A) Go to step 4.

OR

2. Double click on the BitLocker icon in the taskbar notification area (far right). (See screenshot below)

A) Go to step 4.

OR

3. Open the Start menu and click on the Computer button, then right click on the Windows 7 or other operating system drive or partition letter thay you want to resume protection with and click on Resume BitLocker protection. (See screenshot below)

A) Go to step 5.

4. Click on Resume Protection for the Windows 7 or other operating system drive or partition letter. (See screenshot below)

5. The BitLocker icon in the taskbar notification area will now be gone indicating that BitLocker Drive Encryption is enabled again.
NOTE: When BitLocker Drive Encryption is enabled, you will need to plug in the USB flash drive containing the startup key before starting the computer again.