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BitLocker auto-enables on secondary partition (Windows 11 Home, dual-boot with Linux)

Paipeti Sai Yaswanth Reddy 20 Reputation points
2025-07-09T16:09:06.5866667+00:00

Setup:

  • Dual-boot system with Windows 11 Home (latest) and Ubuntu
  • Single NVMe SSD, partitioned:
    • C: - main Windows OS
    • S: - 100 GB partition intended for shared use between Windows and Linux
  • BitLocker encryption is enabled by default on both partitions due to Windows 11's Device Encryption
  • Trying to access S: partition from Linux shows BitLocker is enabled

I am looking to used the shared drive without disabling the Bitlocker Encryption.

I tried disabling the bitlocker and when i shutdown and login again, disk is again locked

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
Accepted answer
  1. Ami-T 2,340 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-07-10T01:51:40.71+00:00

    Hello Paipeti 

    Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A. Thanks for the sharing info, here are some steps and suggestions to help！  

    Windows 11 Home uses Device Encryption, which is a simplified version of BitLocker.   It automatically re-enables encryption on supported devices after reboot or login 

    If you want seamless access without mounting tools: 

    1. Shrink the encrypted S: partition in Windows. 
    2. Create a new NTFS partition (unencrypted) for shared use. 
    3. Disable Device Encryption only for that partition (not the whole disk). 

    This avoids BitLocker issues while keeping your system secure. 

     

    Optional: Prevent Auto-Re-encryption 

    If you really want to stop BitLocker from re-enabling: 

    • Disable Device Encryption via Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption 
    • Or use PowerShell: 

    Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint "S:" 

    But this may be overridden by Windows updates or policies. 

     

    Hope the above information is helpful to you！ 

     

    PS：Bing, Microsoft Edge, Windows, Windows Insider Program is now supported on Microsoft Q&A. 

    Starting from July 2, 2025, new questions must be posted there. Existing discussions will remain accessible on Microsoft Answers until July 6, 2025. 

    Customers will be redirected to Q&A starting July 7, 2025. 

    🔗 https://learn.microsoft.com/answers/questions/ 

     

    Best Regards, 

    Ami | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist 

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