How to install Windows 11 24H2 without Bitlocker encryption activated?

Question

Hi!
I want to install Windows 11 24H2 by upgrading from Windows 10 Home 64, or by doing clean install.
The problem is that Windows 11 24H2 is encrypting everything with Bitlocker without my approval.
How can I install it without this encryption?
Thanks!

***Move from Windows / Windows 11 / Install and upgrade ***

Answer 1

Hello  Sorin Sandulescu,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Here are a few steps you can take to install Windows 11 without BitLocker encryption:

1. Use Rufus to Create a Bootable USB:

Download the latest version of Rufus. Use it to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 ISO. During the creation process, Rufus provides an option to disable BitLocker automatic drive encryption.

1. Disable BitLocker During Installation:

When you boot from the USB drive and start the Windows 11 installation, look for an option to disable BitLocker automatic drive encryption. This option is usually available during the Windows User Experience menu.

1. Registry Edit Method:

Alternatively, you can use the registry editor to disable BitLocker encryption before starting the installation. Press during the Windows setup to open a command prompt, then enter the following command:Shift + F10

reg add HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\BitLocker /v PreventDeviceEncryption /d 1 /t REG_DWORD /f

This will prevent BitLocker from automatically encrypting your drive during the installation process.

1. Continue Installation:

After applying the above steps, continue with the Windows 11 installation as usual. Your drive should not be encrypted by BitLocker.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan

Answer 2

Wasn't it better if Microsoft actually fixed Bitlocker so it was usefull ?
Whole problem is unless your an IT professional that knows the shortcommings of the utility, there is a bunch of home users that comes into the various support centers for their computers with an encrypted disk cause the darn program don't instructs people that they need to back up the encryption key. It just installs by default without any instructions where to find the key and get it proper backed up and its impossible to get peoples data back if they don't have their system proper setup for backup without their key. It's very unpractically that this set as default on the 24H2 update, and you must be aware of how many that bypasses the use of the Microsoft account cause they don't want to share their personal data with Microsoft. They are price given if they somehow can't access or just didn't created their account in the first place. It's directly stupidity. Bitlocker should be removed if you can't code your apps to very precisely inform people where the key is placed in case they don't want to use the Microsoft account on a daily basis. Very few people have the need to make their home systems 200% safe against data theft.