Article ID: 000089587 Content Type: Troubleshooting Last Reviewed: 02/27/2024

Why Can't I Turn Off BitLocker in Windows® 10?

Environment

Windows® 10, 64-bit*

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Summary

Details how to turn off BitLocker in Windows® 10 with Administrator account.

Description

In BitLocker Drive Encryption menu, there is only Backup your recovery key option, no Turn off BitLocker option.

Resolution

This issue is caused by Windows account permissions limitation, login to the administrator account to disable BitLocker:

  1. Right-click Windows Start button (or Press the Windows Key + x)
  2. Click Computer Management
  3. Double click Local Users and Groups
  4. Double click Users
  5. Double click Administrator
  6. Disable Account is disabled, click OK
  7. Click Windows Start button
  8. Click avatar (the circle image for the account currently signed in)
  9. Select Administrator Account to login
  10. Press Windows Start button
  11. Type bitlocker
  12. Click Manage BitLocker to enter the BitLocker Drive Encryption menu
  13. Select Turn off BitLocker to proceed with decryption
  14. Switch back to the user account