unable to copy a Bit Locker encrypted folder stored on an external drive, in Windows 11

Question

I had used BitLocker to encrypt my Windows 10 pro PC, and periodically backed up my files to a folder on an external drive..

Last week I had to factory reset my PC because it was freezing frequently. When I tried to copy over my files from the external drive, the folder they are stored with all the files are encrypted and couldn't be transferred.

When I try to open the files directly from the external drive they have a locked padlock icon and the error message says: " A problem is preventing this folder from being encrypted."

The error messages I receive when I copy over individual files from the external drive to my (reset) PC are:

• "You'll need to provide administrator permission to copy this file", and
• "You require permission from Everyone to make changes to this file"

I have the bit locker recovery key for my old PC . However I can't find a way to transfer my folder back from the external drive into my (now reset) PC.

pls help in this case.

Answer 1

Hello Abhishek Srivastava

To resolve the issue where you receive the error message "You require permission from Everyone to make changes to this file,” and "You'll need to provide administrator permission to copy this file, you can try the following steps: 
 
Right-click on the file or folder that you're trying to access and select "Properties." 
In the Properties window, go to the "Security" tab. 
Click on the "Edit" button to change the permissions. 

In the Permissions window, click on "Add" to add a new user or group. 
Type "Everyone" in the "Enter the object names to select" field and click "Check Names" to validate it. 

Click "OK" to add the "Everyone" group . 
In the Permissions window, select the "Everyone" group and check the box for "Full Control" under the "Allow" column. 
Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes. 

Right-click on the file or folder that you're trying to copy and select "Properties." 
In the Properties window, go to the "Security" tab. 
Click on the "Edit" button to change the permissions. 
In the Permissions window, click on "Add" to add a new user or group. 
Type "Administrators" in the "Enter the object names to select" field and click "Check Names" to validate it. 
Click "OK" to add the "Administrators" group. 
In the Permissions window, select the "Administrators" group and check the box for "Full Control" under the "Allow" column. 
Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes. 
 
Please note that modifying permissions should be done with caution, and it's important to ensure that you have the necessary rights and permissions to make changes to the file or folder.

Best Regards,

Hania Lain

Answer 2

Hi Hania Lain,

I followed your instruction properly but issue still the same.

Answer 3

i have followed your instructions but issue still same.