This post shows how to remove BitLocker encryption from USB drive using File Explorer, Control Panel, MiniTool Partition Wizard, and Command Prompt. Removing BitLocker encryption permanently decrypts the drive, allowing you to access the files without BitLocker protection.

Want to remove BitLocker from a USB without losing your files? You can decrypt the USB without formatting it.

In this guide, we’ll show you simple ways to disable BitLocker on USB using Windows tools and MiniTool Partition Wizard.

How to Remove BitLocker from USB in Windows

There are several ways to remove BitLocker from USB drive in Windows. The methods below cover both built-in Windows tools and third-party software, so you can choose the one that works best for your USB drive.

ToolDifficultyKeeps FilesKey FeaturesBest For
File ExplorerLowYesSimple, built-in, no extra softwareUsers who want the quickest solution
Control PanelLowYesBuilt-in BitLocker management, more settingsUsers who prefer Windows system tools
MiniTool Partition WizardLowYesBitLocker management, partition management, disk cloning, and data recovery featuresUsers who need additional disk management tools
Command PromptModerateYesBuilt-in command-line control, detailed BitLocker managementAdvanced users who prefer commands

Method 1: Via File Explorer

File Explorer provides a quick and easy way to access BitLocker settings on your USB drive. Follow the steps below to get started.

  1. Plug in your USB drive to the PC.
  2. Open File Explorer and click This PC.
  3. Double-click the USB.
  4. A new window pops up. Type your password and click Unlock.
  5. Right-click the unlocked USB and choose Manage BitLocker.
  6. Select Turn off BitLocker. In the new pop-up window, click Turn off BitLocker again.
The BitLocker Drive Encryption interface with the selected Turn off BitLocker.

Method 2: Via Control Panel

If you prefer using Windows’ built-in settings, you can remove BitLocker from your USB through Control Panel.

  1. Open Control Panel and go to System and Security.
  2. Click BitLocker Drive Encryption.
  3. All disk partitions on your computer are listed here along with their BitLocker status.
  4. Find your USB drive, expand it, and select Unlock drive.
  5. When the pop-up window appears, enter your password and click Unlock.
  6. After unlocking the USB, click Turn off BitLocker > Turn off BitLocker.
The BitLocker Drive Encryption interface with the selected Turn off BitLocker interface.

Method 3: Via MiniTool Partition Wizard

MiniTool Partition Wizard provides an alternative way to remove BitLocker from a USB drive. It also offers additional features, such as creating, extending, and formatting partitions, cloning HDDs to SSDs, recovering data from external hard drives, and more.

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Connect your USB to your PC and launch MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Step 2: In the main interface, right-click the BitLocker-encrypted USB drive and select BitLocker Manager.

MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with BitLocker Manager from the right click menu selected for the highlighted USB drive.

Step 3: In the BitLocker Manager window, click Unlock.

MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with BitLocker Manager window opened and the Unlock button highlighted.

Step 4: Enter the password and click Unlock.

Step 5: Click Turn Off and then select Yes.

The MiniTool Partition Wizard Turn Off BitLocker interface win the selected Turn Off and then Yes.

Method 4: Via Command Prompt

If you prefer using command-line tools, you can remove BitLocker encryption from a USB drive with Command Prompt. Here are the full steps:

  1. Type cmd in the Search box, find Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator from the right side.
  2. When the Command Prompt window opens, type manage-bde -unlock *: -pw to unlock the USB first, and then press Enter. (Replace X with your USB drive letter).
  3. To decrypt BitLocker USB, type manage-bde -off *: and then press Enter.
The Command Prompt interface with the manage bde off command line.

Further Reading:

If you have forgotten your BitLocker password and cannot locate the recovery key, you may be unable to unlock the encrypted USB flash drive and access the files stored on it.

In this situation, you can remove the BitLocker encryption by formatting the USB flash drive, thereby restoring it to normal use.

How to remove BitLocker from USB drive in Windows 10/11? This article offers 4 quick methods to do that.Click to Tweet

Remove BitLocker from USB FAQ

1. Can I use a BitLocker USB drive on another computer?
Yes. You can use a BitLocker-encrypted USB drive on another compatible Windows computer, but you’ll need to enter the BitLocker password or recovery key to unlock it.
2. Where can I find my lost 48-digit BitLocker recovery key?
You may find your BitLocker recovery key in your Microsoft account, a saved file, a printed copy, or your work/school account. If you can't find the recovery key, there is no supported way to bypass BitLocker and access the encrypted files.
3. What happens if I format a BitLocker-encrypted USB drive?
Formatting removes the existing encrypted volume and allows you to use the USB drive again, but it also erases the files stored on it. Therefore, formatting should only be considered when you no longer need the data or cannot unlock the drive.
4. How long does it take to remove BitLocker from a USB drive?
The time depends on the USB drive's capacity, connection speed, and the amount of data stored on it. Small drives may finish within minutes, while larger drives can take longer.
1. Small USB drives (under 16GB or mostly empty): Take about 2 to 5 minutes.
2. Larger USB drives (32GB to 128GB full of data): Take about 10 to 30 minutes.
3. Huge USB drives (500GB + full of data): Take several hours.

Bottom Line

Removing BitLocker from a USB drive is easy as long as you can unlock the drive. You can remove BitLocker from USB drive through Control Panel or Command Prompt without deleting your files. If you’ve forgotten both the password and recovery key and don’t need the data, formatting the USB drive is another option.

If you have any questions or feedback about MiniTool Partition Wizard, feel free to contact our support team at [email protected] for additional help.

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About The Author

Cecilia

Position: Columnist

Cecilia has been an editor at MiniTool for two years. She primarily focuses on disk and partition-related content, with particular expertise in disk cloning, partition recovery, and PDF document conversion. She is dedicated to providing users with clear and accurate solutions to help them efficiently resolve common computer problems.

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