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Suspend BitLocker protection for non-Microsoft software updates

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Applies to:   Windows 10

You must temporarily disable BitLocker protection by using the Suspend protection feature for non-Microsoft software updates such as:

  • Computer manufacturer firmware updates
  • TPM firmware updates
  • Non-Microsoft application updates that modify boot components

Important

If BitLocker protection isn't suspended, the system won't recognize the BitLocker key and you'll be prompted to enter the recovery key to proceed next time the system restarts. Not having a recovery key will cause data loss or an unnecessary operating system reinstallation. This will happen every time you restart the system.

Suspending BitLocker protection on a system drive prevents certain problems and allows successful firmware and hardware updates. You can suspend BitLocker protection and resume it at any time by using the Control Panel or PowerShell.

Note

BitLocker protection will remain disabled for a particular drive until you manually resume it.

Suspend and resume BitLocker protection by using the Control Panel

Here's how to suspend BitLocker protection:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Suspend protection.
  3. Select Yes.

Here's how to resume BitLocker protection:  

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Resume protection.
  3. Select Yes.

Suspend and resume BitLocker protection by using PowerShell

Here's how to suspend BitLocker protection:

  1. Go to Start.

  2. Go to Search, enter the word PowerShell, press and hold (or right-click) Windows PowerShell, and then select Run as administrator.

  3. In the Administrator: Windows PowerShell window, enter the following command and press Enter:

    Suspend-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:" -RebootCount 0

    Note

    In this command, the -RebootCount allows you to determine how many times your computer can restart before BitLocker protection is automatically re-enabled. You can use values from 0 to 15. A value of 0 will suspend BitLocker protection until you resume the protection manually.

Here's how to resume BitLocker protection:

  1. Go to Start.

  2. Go to Search, enter the word PowerShell, press and hold (or right-click) Windows PowerShell, and then select Run as administrator.

  3. In the Administrator: Windows PowerShell window, enter the following command and press Enter:

    Resume-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:"

    The encryption protection feature is now enabled on your device.