How to Disable device encryption on Windows

Encryption is a powerful tool for protecting data on your Windows devices. However, there are times when you might need to disable it. Let’s walk through the process of disabling device encryption in Windows 10/11 and understand the difference between Device Encryption and BitLocker Drive Encryption. Kindly see, How to Change BitLocker Password in Windows and how to Force BitLocker Recovery mode: How to unlock BitLocker Protected Drive.

Here are other related guides: Perform BitLocker Recovery Password Rotation in Active Directory,  Manage BitLocker and FileVault with Trellix Native Encryption, Install BitLocker on Windows Server via the Server Manager, and How to Prevent Standard Users from Changing BitLocker Password.

Disabling Device Encryption

Device encryption is a simplified form of BitLocker that’s available on many Windows devices. Here’s how you can turn it off:

Press Windows + I buttons to open the Settings app.

For Windows 10 user, go to Update & Security > Device encryption. On Windows 11, select Privacy & Security and click Device encryption on the right pane.

If you don’t see Device encryption listed, it means your device doesn’t support it.

If Device encryption is on, you’ll see an option to turn it off. Click Turn off. You’ll need administrative privileges to do this. If prompted, enter your admin credentials.

Confirm that you want to turn off encryption. This process will take some time as your data is decrypted.

Difference Between Device Encryption and BitLocker Drive Encryption

While both Device Encryption and BitLocker Drive Encryption serve to protect your data, they have key differences.

Please see “How to check if Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring is installed on Windows“. Also, see how to Restrict the number of tabs a user can open in Chrome and Edge.

Device Encryption

Simplicity: Device Encryption is designed to be straightforward. It’s automatically enabled on devices that meet certain hardware requirements, such as having a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and supporting Modern Standby.

Automatic Activation: When you set up your device, Device Encryption is automatically turned on if the hardware supports it. This makes it easy for users who don’t want to bother with detailed configuration.

Target Audience: This feature is targeted at average users who need basic encryption without the need for complex setup or management.

BitLocker Drive Encryption

Advanced Features: BitLocker offers more advanced features and customization options compared to Device Encryption. You can encrypt individual drives, including external USB drives.

Manual Activation: BitLocker requires manual setup. You need to go through the configuration process to enable it.

Enhanced Security: With BitLocker, you can use additional security measures such as a PIN or a startup key. It also supports multifactor authentication, adding an extra layer of security.

Target Audience: BitLocker is aimed at more advanced users and enterprise environments where detailed control over encryption settings is necessary.

How BitLocker Works

BitLocker provides encryption for entire volumes to protect data from theft or exposure on lost, stolen, or improperly decommissioned devices. It works best with a TPM, but it can also operate without one by using a startup key stored on a USB drive or by requiring a password at startup.

For a detailed guide on how to disable BitLocker on both Windows 10/11, please see tis post. Also, see Hide Default BitLocker Drive Encryption item in Windows, and “Backup existing and new BitLocker Recovery Keys to Active Directory“.

Key Features

• TPM Integration: A TPM works with BitLocker to ensure the integrity of your system. It checks if the device has been tampered with while offline.
• Startup Options: You can configure BitLocker to require a PIN, a startup key on a USB drive, or a combination of both to unlock your device at startup.

System Requirements

• TPM: Devices must have TPM 1.2 or later. If no TPM is available, a startup key saved on a USB drive is mandatory.
• BIOS/UEFI Support: The device’s firmware must support USB devices and read files from a USB drive during the preboot process.
• Partitioning: The hard disk must be partitioned into at least two drives: one for the operating system and one for the system files necessary for booting.

Conclusion

Device Encryption and BitLocker both offer robust ways to protect your data, but they cater to different needs. Device Encryption is a simpler, automatic solution suitable for general users, while BitLocker offers advanced features and greater control, making it ideal for power users and enterprises.

Disabling Device Encryption is straightforward, but it’s important to consider the security implications before doing so. By understanding the differences between these two encryption methods, you can choose the best one to meet your needs.

I hope you found this article useful on how to Disable device encryption on Windows. Please feel free to leave a comment below.