Unlock Bitlocker

Question

I am trying to clone my computer to IDrive so I can wipe my computer and reinstall Windows 11. Hopefully that will clear up some issues I am having with my computer. It can't backup because files are bitlocked.

I didn't know I had bitlocker but apparently I do. I went through 2 ways that were supposed to be able to unlock bitlocker. Neither works. The 1 way I click on "disks & volumes" and it shows "C" is bitlocker encrypted. This is the only place I have seen anything that shows bitlocker exists. I click properties, then "unlock bitlocker". The instructions show the 5th screenshot is supposed to come up but I only get the 4th. I saved the recovery key again but the page didn't change.

The other way going through the control panel I am supposed to get the 3rd screenshot but I only get the 2nd screenshot. I can download the recovery key but can't use it anywhere.

I put "Manage bitlocker" in the search box and got the first screenshot.

Can anyone help me get bitlocker unlocked?

My computer has 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1115G4 @ 3.00GHz 3.00 GHz 64-bit

Answer 1

I assume you have Windows 11 Home with Device Encryption set up by the manufacturer. Depending on the manufacturer may depend on whether you can turn it off or not.

Have you asked the device manufacturer?