Legacy WD passport bitlocker Not popping up in Windows 10

Question

I have a WDBBEP0010BBL Passport external hard drive that I encrypted with Bitlocker in 2017.

I want to access this passport on a Windows 10 computer as I do not have my original computer. I do not have bitlocker on this computer as it is not Windows 10 Pro.

This windows 10 computer will not assign a drive letter to the WD Passport, but it does start it and recognize it under Device Manager.

If I use cmd prompt to manage -bde -status, it states it has Bitlocker configuration version 10.0.19041. Then I get the message that attempt to access is denied.

Through the open prompt, the system says it cannot find a compatible TPM and wants me to check if have one 1.2 or higher. I cannot edit gpedit.msc file either and I cannot edit any global policies.

How can I get the Bitlocker to give me the prompt for my password?
How can I get my system to assign a drive letter?

I cannot disable Bitlocker without a drive letter- correct?

Answer 1

Hello there,

-First suggestion would be to connect to the original computer where it was encrypted, then turn off encryption .
-If you wish you open it in another PC then when you connect it you must get a pop up , Click or tap on this "Unlock drive" notification to see the dialogue for entering the BitLocker password.
-You can also use the Control Panel to unlock a BitLocker drive. Open Control Panel, and go to "System and Security," followed by "BitLockerDrive Encryption." Under "Removable data drives - BitLocker To Go" click or tap on the encrypted drive that you want, and then press on the Unlock drive link next to it.

• If your PC is not detecting then check if it is online in the diskmgmt.msc .

Hope this Answers all your queries , if not please do repost back .
If an Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it : )

Happy helping

Mukesh S

Answer 2

Firstly, I don't have a bitlocker option in my security options. My standard hardware security is not supported either.

Second, I tried diskmgmt.msc and see if that drive is set to be "offline". And what I got was the "disc needs to be initialized." I will not do that because it is already formatted and I don't want to lose anything. Other suggestions?

Because the computer does not assign a drive letter to the passport, I cannot disable bitlocker through file management. Suggestions?

I can get to BitLocker Drive Encryption Service Properties. When I start the service, it doesn't stay enabled. Is this an area I can leverage?

Susan