How to unlock Bitlocker encrypted external HDD with Windows compatible error

Question

Dear Sir, Madam,

I am not able to unlock an external HDD with BitLocker encryption in Windows 11.

The pop-up informs to try to open the HDD in a newer Windows version.
I do have the password as well as the recovery code. But I do not have the option to use them.

Please advise.

Regards,
Jeroen

Answer 1

Hello Jeroen Zwiers

To resolve this issue, please try the following steps:

1. Connect the external HDD to a computer running Windows 10 or an earlier version of Windows.
2. Enter the password or recovery key to unlock the drive.
3. Once the drive is unlocked, copy the data to another location.
4. After copying the data, disconnect the external HDD from the computer.
5. Connect the external HDD to the Windows 11 computer.
6. Enter the password or recovery key to unlock the drive.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian