Feedback regarding automatic BitLocker encryption and lack of user notification

Question

Issue Overview

I am writing to express significant concern regarding the current behavior of Windows (OOBE/Pro updates) where BitLocker encryption is being enabled on secondary/backup drives without explicit user confirmation or clear notification.

Impact

Performance & Time: I am currently forced to wait through a decryption process that has exceeded 12 hours. At 8 hours, the progress was only at 35.7%, rendering the system and the drive effectively tied up for an entire business day.

Update Conflicts: The system is currently attempting to force a Windows Update restart while a critical volume decryption is in progress. This creates a high risk of data corruption or "recovery key loops" if the system restarts mid-process.

Data Sovereignty: Users should have "opt-in" control over encryption for backup drives to ensure cross-platform compatibility and immediate access in emergencies.

Requested Resolution

1. Transparency: Implement a mandatory "Opt-in/Opt-out" toggle for BitLocker during the initial setup of any new internal or external drive.
2. Safety Interlocks: Prevent Windows Update from forcing a restart while a BitLocker encryption/decryption process is active.
3. Efficiency: Optimize the decryption priority settings to reduce the multi-day timelines currently required for large volumes.

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Answer 1

Hi,
Unfortunately there is nobody here that can do anything with your feedback. If you would like the relevant Microsoft Development team to read it you should use the Feedback hub (winkey+F)

Or you can post it in the Microsoft Feedback Portal