Fix BitLocker Could Not Be Enabled Error Now [Easy]

BitLocker is a top-notch utility that incorporates an additional layer of safety for your Windows device. Have you experienced the BitLocker could not be enabled error? Keep reading to learn more about this error and the fixes to solve it quickly.

Are you getting the "BitLocker Could Not Be Enabled" error while trying to safeguard your Windows PC? Fret not! BitLocker has protected our confidential data and crucial files for over a decade since Windows Vista. Although BitLocker has been upgraded massively since 2006, this powerful drive encryption service isn't flawless, and it spawns such errors. If you're wondering what causes and how to fix these errors, keep reading to learn about the causes and solutions. Let's get started!

How to Fix the BitLocker Could Not Be Enabled Error 1

This error also shows the "Bitlocker Encryption Key Cannot Be Obtained" message. The majority of the BitLocker errors can be diligently taken care of when you know what solution to apply to what issue. Here, error 1 involves the following methods: allowing the automatic BitLocker drive encryption service, installing TPM drivers, switching off and on BitLocker, and converting the disk to GPT. 

1. Method 1: Enable the Automatic BitLocker Drive Encryption Service
2. Method 2: Install TPM Drivers Again
3. Method 3: Turn off and Enable BitLocker
4. Method 4: Convert Disk to GPT

Method 1: Enable the Automatic BitLocker Drive Encryption Service

BitLocker functions as a background service in Windows, and the OS might be delayed while the service is being started, which might cause this error. However, to fix it, you must turn on the automatic BitLocker drive encryption service with the steps below:

Step 1. Hit the "Windows + R" to launch the "Run" command and type services.msc to kick-start Windows services. 

Step 2. Spot the BitLocker Drive Encryption Services and opt for "Properties" after right-clicking it.  

Step 3. Modify the service's startup type to "Automatic," and hit "Apply," followed by "OK."

Method 2: Install TPM Drivers Again

If you face the "BitLocker could not be enabled" error on your Windows PC, you may also try installing the TPM drivers again with the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1. Hit the "Windows + X" and opt for "Device Manager" from the menu.

Step 2. Right-click the driver after extending the "Security devices" category, and opt for "Uninstall device" from the menu.

Step 3. Hit the "Uninstall" button in the "Uninstall Device."

Step 4. Restart your PC and verify if the issue has been fixed. 

Remember to share this post with your friends and colleagues in need to help them solve this error:

Method 3: Turn off and Enable BitLocker

Users are often oblivious to the power of a hassle-free restart while fixing software glitches, yet turning BitLocker off and on works like miracles. Go through the steps below to disable and re-enable BitLocker:

Step 1. Head to "Control Panel" > "System & Security" > "BitLocker Drive Encryption."

Step 2. Spot the drive with the BitLocker encryption on and hit "Turn off BitLocker."

Step 3. Go through the on-screen prompts, type the password, and turn off the encryption.

Once BitLocker eliminates the issue, reboot the PC and go through the same steps to enable the encryption by selecting "Turn on BitLocker." 

Method 4: Convert Disk to GPT

Although the probabilities of your disk using the previous MBR partition scheme are pretty low, mainly if you're using Windows 10 or 11, it's always possible. In that scenario, you will have to convert your disk drive to GPT, the fresh partition scheme allowing you to use TPM, and turn on BitLocker without an issue. The steps are the following:

Step 1. Hit "This PC" after right-clicking on it, and head to "Manage" > "Disk Management."

Step 2. Search the disk drive you intend to convert and eliminate every partition by right-clicking and opting for "Delete Volume."  

Step 3. Once the whole drive becomes Unallocated, you must right-click on it and opt for "Convert to GPT Disk." 

You will notice the option if the drive possesses an MBR partition scheme. Nevertheless, if it's a GPT disk, you will see "Convert to MBR disk," so you don't have to proceed. You should remember that changing the disk to a distinct partition scheme is analogous to formatting. The procedure will delete everything off the drive, and you will lose files. 

But remembering that your data is retrievable even though you have already moved ahead with this action without a backup is worth determining. You need a top-notch tool to restore your lost files after converting the disk to GPT. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is the best tool to manage innumerable circumstances, such as formatting, unforeseen deletion, malware, viruses, system crashes, disk conversion, etc.    

How to Fix the BitLocker Could Not Be Enabled Error 2

There are 4 methods shown for Error 1. If they are not for you, let's consider Error 2 and its fixes. 

1. Fix 1: Check Your PC's Configuration
2. Fix 2: Check the USB
3. Fix 3: Update BIOS

Fix 1: Check Your PC's Configuration

If your PC doesn't meet the system's needs for turning on BitLocker, you can't enable it. Therefore, you would better verify your PC's configuration once you face the "BitLocker could not be enabled" error. Below are the things to verify:

• Verify if the PC drive is encoded.
• Verify if your disk has been partitioned to approx 2 drives.
• Verify if your system drive is approx 350MB in size.
• Verify whether your encrypted partition is designated as a functioning partition.

Go through the steps below to check your PC's configuration:

Step 1. Head to "File Explorer" > "This PC."

Step 2. Find the partition you would like to enable BitLocker and verify its size.

Step 3. Consider the steps from method 4 to access Disk Management and detect if your disk drive is partitioned into two or more partitions. 

Fix 2: Check the USB

You may also face this error if your BIOS can't itemize the USB port with the inserted USB drive. In that case, you may try the methods to solve the error:

• Try a different USB drive.
• Try another USB port.
• Verify if your PC upholds USB at boot time.

Fix 3: Update BIOS

If your BIOS has not been upgraded for months, it may not support the recent BitLocker version. There is also the probability of facing the error in this situation. Consequently, you may resolve this error by updating the BIOS on your PC.

Step 1. Find the BIOS date or version using System Information. Launch the "System Information" program using the keyboard shortcut "Windows + R." Finally, enter "msinfo32" and hit "OK."

Step 2. The motherboard and BIOS versions will pop up now.

Updating BIOS differs based on the brand that manufactured your PC and the BIOS version you installed. Hence, you should do some research before finding the correct link.

Final Words

This article demonstrates the best reasons that induce this "BitLocker could not be enabled" error, and a total of 8 fixes can help eliminate this error. Keep trying the fixes, and see what works for you! However, in error-1, the BitLocker error can be eliminated by modifying the BitLocker services, turning it on and off, or reinstalling TPM drivers. While data loss is a possible consequence, upgrading the disk to GPT is also a viable alternative.

On the other hand, in error-2, the BitLocker issue can be resolved by verifying your PC's configuration and ensuring your USB flash drive works perfectly. There's another technique of updating the BIOS, which may induce data loss. Irrespective of whether disk conversion or BIOS update causes data loss, files can be restored with a trusted data recovery software, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. 

FAQ

Go through the FAQs below to understand the topic better:

1. How do I force BitLocker to enable?

To force enable BitLocker, you need to opt for the "Start" menu > Type "BitLocker" into the search window > Choose "BitLocker Drive Encryption" > Hit "Enable BitLocker."

2. How do I get rid of BitLocker errors?

You can turn off BitLocker encryption to get rid of BitLocker errors. To do this, you need to look for "Manage BitLocker in the Windows search bar" and hit "Open" > Hit "Disable BitLocker" that you intend to decrypt > Confirm your preference and opt for "Turn off BitLocker." > Reboot your PC.

3. How do I fix a TPM error in BitLocker?

You may update the UEFI firmware or BIOS to fix a TPM error in BitLocker if changing the TPM operation mode proves ineffective.