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How to Decrypt Files on an External Drive After Formatting Windows 10
Question details
The user needs to decrypt files on an external drive that remained encrypted after formatting the original Windows 10 computer.
- Product
- Windows 10 BitLocker
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to access and decrypt a BitLocker-encrypted external drive after the original Windows installation was formatted.
- Observed behavior
- The external drive remains encrypted and inaccessible because formatting the operating system does not remove the drive's encryption, and a certificate thumbprint alone is insufficient for decryption.
Ensure you have access to your Microsoft account credentials or the physical and digital locations where you might have saved your 48-digit BitLocker recovery key.
Decrypt the External Drive Using BitLocker Recovery Key
Use this method if the external drive was encrypted with BitLocker and you need to regain access using your password or recovery key.
Formatting the original Windows computer does not remove BitLocker encryption from an external drive. A certificate thumbprint alone cannot decrypt the drive; you must provide the correct password or the recovery key.
Check your Microsoft account online, saved documents on another device, printed records, or organizational emails to find your 48-digit BitLocker recovery key.
Plug the encrypted external drive into your newly formatted Windows 10 computer.
When prompted by Windows, enter your BitLocker password. If you do not have the password, click 'More options' and enter the 48-digit recovery key.
Once the drive is unlocked, open the 'Control Panel', navigate to 'System and Security', and click on 'BitLocker Drive Encryption'.
Locate your external drive under the 'Removable data drives' section and click 'Turn off BitLocker' to permanently decrypt all files on the drive.
Manage Your Recovered Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
Once you have successfully decrypted your external drive, you will need a reliable office suite to open, edit, and organize your recovered files. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that makes document management effortless.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install it on your Windows 10 computer.
- 2. Access Decrypted Files: Open WPS Office and click 'Open' to browse your newly decrypted external drive for documents.
- 3. Edit and Save: Select your recovered documents, spreadsheets, or presentations to start editing immediately with full formatting compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I decrypt a BitLocker drive with only a certificate thumbprint?
No, a certificate thumbprint alone is not sufficient to decrypt a BitLocker-encrypted drive. You must have the correct BitLocker password or the 48-digit recovery key to regain access.
Where can I find my BitLocker recovery key?
Your recovery key may be saved in your Microsoft account online, stored on a USB flash drive, printed on a physical document, or managed by your organization's IT department.
Does formatting my Windows PC remove BitLocker from my external drive?
No, formatting the OS drive does not affect the encryption on your external drive. The external drive remains encrypted and will require proper authentication to be accessed on the newly formatted system.
What happens if I lose my BitLocker recovery key entirely?
If you completely lose both the password and the recovery key, the data on the encrypted drive cannot be recovered or accessed. You will need to format the external drive to use it again, which will permanently erase all stored files.
