Bitlock adding 2nd drive

Question

Hello,

I have a laptop which is bit locked.

I do not have the bit locker key or password, but I have a 6 digit PIN.

I can start the laptop successfully with the pin and login to Windows 10.

If I add a 2nd internal hard drive, which is say already formatted to FAT32, or NTFS,

Can I then boot using the PIN, and read/write to the 2nd drive without the 2nd drive being bitlocked?

Many thanks

Answer 1

Hi Jeremy. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

Please do not call the tech support spam number I just removed from the thread.

Try to find the Bitlocker key using this guide to locate it:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402618...

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ph/help/453047...

Yes if you can unlock the data with the PIN you should be able to copy it out to the other drive, then wipe the keyless drive with Clean command to remove Bitlocker, and reformat in Disk Management.

See all methods to copy large groups of files efficiently:

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man...

Then confirm the files are all copied by spot checking, and comparing the number of files and folders and size on disk between the two drive's Properties boxes.

Once you know for sure you have all the files, then wipe the drive with Clean Command. If there's any chance you may choose the wrong drive in Diskpart then unplug it before you power on. It won't let you wipe the Windows drive:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/85819-erase...

If necessary use the Command Prompt at boot from bootable media:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2880-open-c...

You can also rescue files from Command Prompt at boot as shown here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Then reformat the drive in Disk Management:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-format-new-h...

I hope this helps. Based on the results you report back I may have other suggestions if necessary. If you will wait to choose whether the problem is resolved, then I will continue to help until the problem is fixed.

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