Can I turn off computer when BitLocker is encrypting?


  1. Posts : 60
    windows 7 home premium
       #1

    Can I turn off computer when BitLocker is encrypting?


    I'm encrypting a drive with BitLocker (its taking forever) and I want to shut down my PC. Can I press "Pause" on bitlocker and resume it when I start my computer back up?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 72,046
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Green elephant,

    No. If you stop the encryption process, it could fail and may have to start the process all over. You could also risk data loss if you just shut down.

    It's best to let it finish.
    Last edited by Brink; 12 Sep 2015 at 08:26. Reason: update
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #3

    Bitlocker takes a long time, don`t shut off the pc.

    Why are you even using Bitlocker ? What are you worried about ?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 60
    windows 7 home premium
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Brink said:
    Hello Green elephant,

    No. If you stop the encryption process, it could fail and may have to start the process all over. You could also risk data loss if you just shut down.

    It's best to let it finish.
    Ok thanks.
    Last edited by Brink; 12 Sep 2015 at 08:27. Reason: update
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 60
    windows 7 home premium
    Thread Starter
       #5

    BitLocker Encrypting Progress Page Gone?


    Yesterday I could see the little window that shows BitLocker encryption progress, but this morning I come to see it is gone. there's no way it is done because it was taking forever (days). i go into bitlocker management area and see it shows it is still encrypting, but I don't know what the progress is anymore because the page is gone.
    Can I get the page to come back up somehow? I already checked hidden icons.

      My Computer


  6. Posts : 72,046
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    You could open an elevated command prompt, type the command below, and press Enter to see the status of BitLocker. Substitute C in the command below with the drive letter that you are encrypting instead.

    manage-bde -status C:


    You will see the percentage encrypted like below. :)

    BitLocker Status - Check for Drive in Windows


    Can I turn off computer when BitLocker is encrypting?-command.jpg
    Last edited by Brink; 22 Feb 2014 at 16:38. Reason: added new tutorial link
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Enteprise / CB / x64
       #7

    I recommend you reference the TechNet library pages, as they contain accurate and relevant information pertaining to the subject and question in the original post.

    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...=WS.10%29.aspx

    As such, the above link references an official TechNet library page pertaining to BitLocker encryption and it answers the aforementioned question accordingly.
    What happens if the computer is turned off during encryption or decryption?

    If the computer is turned off or goes into hibernation, the BitLocker encryption and decryption process will resume where it stopped the next time Windows starts. This is true even if the power is suddenly unavailable.
    Sincerely,
    Ombrius
    Last edited by Brink; 12 Sep 2015 at 08:27. Reason: removed unneeded comments
      My Computer


 

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