Not sure what Bitlocker is? It’s a tool for securing data on hard drives.
Not sure what Bitlocker is? It’s a tool for securing data on hard drives.
I plan to perform a clean install of Windows 11 on the same device, using the same storage. I’m seeing mixed information about Bitlocker’s default setting. On my current setup it remains disabled, and I haven’t turned it off before. I definitely don’t want Bitlocker active at all. Will the same apply during the clean install? Should it stay off by default, or could I end up with it enabled and need to turn it off afterward? What factors decide this? I’d like it to stay disabled by default.
Download the Windows 11 ISO from the official installer and use Rufus to create a USB drive. When prompted, choose to disable various features such as BitLocker.
During installation with the latest Windows 11 installer made via the Windows Media Creation Tool, Bitlocker will be enabled softly when you log in with a Microsoft Account during the first setup. With a Local Account, it won’t be activated. After installation, always review the Bitlocker settings to confirm it’s not soft enabled. If it is, it will operate at a reduced level and won’t be fully active until you turn it on. Despite this, the system may still encrypt the Windows files, requiring decryption when turned off. Using Rufus and starting with a Local Account avoids any Bitlocker concerns altogether.
It indicates Bitlocker is suspended, or the system displays Bitlocker but not active. When it shows Bitclocker Off, the feature is completely disabled.
It seems you're curious about how your Windows 11 Pro setup ended up disabled by default. You activated it with an OEM key, but now it's turned off automatically. The reason could depend on the activation method and settings you chose during installation.