How to Disable BitLocker Encryption on Windows 11 Install?

May 21

3 min read

How to Disable BitLocker Encryption on Windows 11 Install?

With version 24H2, Windows 11 will receive a security upgrade. Starting with this version, both the Pro and Home editions will automatically encrypt your device during setup. On the plus side, it protects your data from prying eyes in the event that your smartphone is stolen. However, if your computer fails and you lose access to Windows, restoring your data may be tough. If you don't require this functionality, follow these steps to disable BitLocker device encryption during Windows 11 installation.

How to Stop Automatic BitLocker Device Encryption During Installation on Windows 11

Method 1: Disable Device Encryption using BLR.

BLR is lightweight software that can format and create bootable USB sticks. You may also construct a bootable USB stick for Windows 11 with the option to turn off automatic device encryption after installation.

1. Insert a USB disk with at least 8 GB of space.

2. Launch your preferred browser and navigate to the BLR official website (blrtools.com).

3. In the download Bitlocker recovery software, select the version link to download the tool.

4. After downloading the BLR app, double-click the executable file to launch it.

5. In the BLR tools, locate the "Show application settings" button (third from the left) in the bottom right corner.

6. To check for changes, click the "Check now" button in the Update policy and settings dialog box. Then click "Close".

7. In the Boot Selection drop-down menu, select "Disk or ISO image". Then, click the drop-down button next to it and choose "DOWNLOAD". If you already have a Windows 11 ISO image.

8. Finally, click the "DOWNLOAD" button.

9. In the dialog box, select "Windows 11" and then click "Continue".

10. Select the release and click "Continue".

11. Select "Windows 11 Home/Pro/Edu" from the Edition menu, then click "Continue".

12. Next, select a language and click "Continue".

13. Finally, choose "x64" architecture and click the "Download" button.

14. Next, choose where you want to save the Windows 11 ISO file and click "Save".

15. You can track the download progress in the BLR main window. It may take some time depending on your Internet connection speed.

Creating a Bootable USB Without Device Encryption

1. Once the download is finished, select "Standard Windows installation" from the Image menu and click "START".

2. Enable the appropriate choices under 'Customize Windows Installation?'.

3. Select "Disable BitLocker automatic device encryption" and click the "OK" button.

4. Click "OK" again in the warning dialog box to format and create the bootable drive.

After you've produced the bootable USB drive, you may use it to install Windows 11 on a computer that doesn't have BitLocker encryption.

Method 2: Disable Device Encryption during Windows 11 Setup

If you don't want to use the BLR app, you can build a bootable USB using Microsoft's Media Creation tool. Disable BitLocker encryption during Windows 11's OOBE setup.

1. Start by creating your Windows 11 installation media.

2. Boot your machine from the installation disc and install Windows.

3. After the installation is complete, your device will restart and begin the OOBE (Out of Box Experience) setup.

4. When you reach the first screen of the OOBE setup (typically country or region selection), use the Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut to access the Command Prompt.

5. Type "regedit" into the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

6. This will launch the Registry Editor application.

7. Go to the following location:

8. Right-click the "BitLocker" key and choose "New > DWORD (32-bit) Value".

9. Change the DWORD to "PreventDeviceEnryption".

10. Right-click the newly formed PreventDeviceEnryption value and set it to "1".

11. Close the Registry Editor first, followed by the Command Prompt.

12. Proceed with the OOBE instructions to complete the setup.