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Update BitLocker instructions with modern Windows Settings path #73

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Update BitLocker instructions with modern Windows Settings path
benounnas Feb 26, 2026
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Nest per-release instructions in a tab set
msuchane May 28, 2026
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22 changes: 16 additions & 6 deletions docs/how-to/turn-off-bitlocker-in-windows.md
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Expand Up @@ -18,17 +18,27 @@

Any encryption procedure, hard drive structure change or installation of new operating systems on a hard drive that already contains data can potentially lead to a data loss. Make sure that your personal data is safe. Even simply copying the important files to an external drive minimizes the risk of data loss.

1. In Windows, open Settings and enter *Manage BitLocker* in the search box.
1. Disable encryption:

Alternatively, go to {menuselection}`Control Panel --> System and Security --> BitLocker Drive Encryption`.
:::::{tab-set}
::::{tab-item} On Windows 11
Open the Settings app and go to {menuselection}`Privacy & Security --> Device Encryption`.

![The BitLocker Drive Encryption settings in Windows](/images/bitlocker-drive-encryption.png)
Toggle it off.
::::

::::{tab-item} On earlier Windows releases
Go to {menuselection}`Control Panel --> System and Security --> BitLocker Drive Encryption`.

1. If the status is "BitLocker waiting for activation", it means that BitLocker is enabled but your data isn't encrypted yet.
:::{note}
If the status is "BitLocker waiting for activation", it means that BitLocker is enabled but your data isn't encrypted yet. Enable BitLocker first by clicking {guilabel}`Turn on BitLocker`.

Check warning on line 34 in docs/how-to/turn-off-bitlocker-in-windows.md

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[vale] reported by reviewdog 🐶
[write-good.Passive] 'is enabled' may be passive voice. Use active voice if you can.

Raw Output:
{"message": "[write-good.Passive] 'is enabled' may be passive voice. Use active voice if you can.", "location": {"path": "docs/how-to/turn-off-bitlocker-in-windows.md", "range": {"start": {"line": 34, "column": 82}}}, "severity": "WARNING"}
:::

Enable BitLocker first by clicking {guilabel}`Turn on BitLocker`. Then proceed.
Click {guilabel}`Turn off BitLocker` to disable encryption.

1. Click {guilabel}`Turn off BitLocker`.
![The BitLocker Drive Encryption settings in Windows](/images/bitlocker-drive-encryption.png)
::::
:::::

1. Windows informs you that it is going to decrypt the data.

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