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Install WIndows without Bitlocker encryption

Anonymous
2020-10-22T13:44:12+00:00

I have a Dell laptop in which the boot volume is encrypted with Bitlocker by default. This means that it is encrypted and I do not have a key. I've even tried deleting the volume via diskpart & reinstalling Windows with a newly downloaded OS ISO.

So - is there any way to either have it reveal its key or install Windows without encryption? And why is Bitlocker on by default?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. DaveM121 891.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-10-22T13:50:15+00:00

    Hi truckeeGWB

    I am Dave, an Independent Advisor, I will help you with this . . .

    Bitlocker is not on by default on a standard installation, this is a known problem with Dell Devices, their techs turn on Bitlocker on their default image they load laptops from . .

    Log into this page: https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoveryk...

    Do you find the Bitlocker key there?

    If not, you may try to contact Dell Support to see if they know the key

    If you re-install Windows 10 using a bootable Windows 10 USB created form the Microsoft website, then Bitlocker should not be enabled by default . . .

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-10-22T15:57:04+00:00

    Thanks for the input. The laptop is/was a Windows Pro installation. I was going by the description of the volume in Disk Management.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-10-22T14:17:03+00:00

    Excellent. Thank you immensely. And I now have another reason to dislike Dell.

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  4. Brink 16,570 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2020-10-22T15:29:28+00:00

    Hello truckeeGWB,

    In addition to Dave's post, if this is a Windows 10 Home installation, it could be Device Encryption instead.  It is usually turned on by default.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/145880-how-check-if-device-encryption-supported-windows-10-a.html

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/145803-how-turn-off-device-encryption-windows-10-a.html

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