Splitting BitLocker encrypted drive allows you to create a new partition from existing disk space while keeping your data protected. This guide explains how to unlock a BitLocker drive and split the partition using Windows built-in tools or MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Splitting a partition on a BitLocker-encrypted drive can help you manage disk space more effectively. For example, you can create a new data partition or reorganize your disk layout.

The following guide explains how to unlock the BitLocker drive and split the partition using either built-in Windows tools or MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Can You Split BitLocker Encrypted Drive?

Before splitting a partition on a BitLocker-encrypted drive, you may first unlock the drive.

BitLocker encrypts and protects the data on the drive. When the drive is locked, the system or partitioning tools generally cannot access the data, making it impossible to adjust partitions.

You need to unlock the drive using a password, PIN, or BitLocker recovery key to proceed.

Once unlocked, you can shrink the current partition to free up unallocated space and then use that space to create a new partition.

You can perform this task using Windows’ built-in Disk Management tool or utilize third-party partitioning software for greater flexibility in adjusting partitions.

Here are the detailed steps to split BitLocker encrypted drive on Windows.

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How to Split BitLocker Encrypted Drive

If your drive is protected by BitLocker, you may wonder whether it is still possible to resize or split the partition. The answer is yes, but the drive needs to be unlocked first.

Below are two practical methods to split BitLocker partition safely.

Method 1: Use MiniTool Partition Wizard

The easiest method to split a BitLocker encrypted drive is using MiniTool Partition Wizard, which can unlock the BitLocker encrypted partition and then help you split it into two partitions with ease.

Note:
After splitting a BitLocker-protected partition, the original partition retains its BitLocker encryption while the newly created partition has no BitLocker. You need to manually enable it if you want.

The following guide uses MiniTool Partition Wizard to demonstrate how to split BitLocker encrypted drive.

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Open MiniTool Partition Wizard to its main interface.

Step 2: Right-click the target drive and click BitLocker Manager from the menu.

Step 3: Click Unlock in the pop-up window.

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

Step 4: In the small pop-up window, enter the password and click Unlock.

Step 5: Then, select the unlocked partition, and click the Split Partition function on the left.

Step 6: In the Split Partition window, drag the slider to adjust the size of the new partition. You can also enter a specific size manually in the partition size field. Once you are satisfied with the settings, click OK to proceed.

The Split Partition interface with the selected OK option.

Step 7: You can preview how the original partition will be split into two smaller partitions. If everything looks correct, click Apply to execute the pending changes.

The MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the Pending Operations window and selected the Apply option.

Method 2: Use Windows Built-in Tools

If you prefer not to install third-party software, Windows also provides built-in tools to split a BitLocker encrypted drive.

Here are the full steps:

Step 1: Press the Win + R key to open the Run box, and then type control in it and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.

Step 2: Change the View by type to Category and select System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.

The System and Security Window with the selected BitLocker Drive Encryption option.

Step 3: Locate the encrypted drive, click on it, and then click Unlock drive. In the new pop-up window, type the password and then click Unlock.

The BitLocker Drive Encryption window with the selected Unlock drive option.

Step 4: Right-click the Start icon and choose Disk Management.

Step 5: Right-click the unlock partition and choose Shrink Volume. You can enter the amount of space to shrink in MB. After that, click the Shrink button to start the shrinking process.

The Disk Management interface with the selected Shrink option.

Step 6: Now you will get the Unallocated space. Right-click it and choose New Simple Volume, then follow the on-screen instructions to create the partition.

The Disk Management interface with the selected New Simple Volume option.
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Split BitLocker Encrypted Drive FAQ

1. Can I split a BitLocker encrypted drive without decrypting it?
No. You cannot directly split the partitions of a BitLocker encrypted drive while it is locked. You must unlock the BitLocker drive first before proceeding with partition adjustments.
2. Will splitting a BitLocker partition delete my data?
No. Splitting a BitLocker partition does not delete your data when performed correctly. However, it is recommended to back up important files before resizing or splitting any partition.
3. Can Windows Disk Management split a BitLocker partition?
Windows Disk Management does not have a direct Split Partition feature. You need to shrink the existing volume first and then create a new partition from the unallocated space.
4. Will BitLocker slow down my computer?
Because data must be encrypted and decrypted during operation, BitLocker may have a slight impact on system performance. However, on most modern computers, this impact is usually negligible and virtually imperceptible during everyday use.
5. What preparations should be made before splitting a BitLocker partition?
Before splitting a BitLocker partition, back up important data and save your BitLocker recovery key to ensure access to your encrypted data can be restored if any issues occur. Also, keep your computer connected to a power source and close any software that may interfere with disk operations.

Bottom Line

Splitting a BitLocker encrypted drive is a simple approach to better manage your disk space. Before splitting the partition, make sure the BitLocker drive is unlocked. You can then use MiniTool Partition Wizard to split the partition.

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
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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