File systems · BitLocker-encrypted drive
BitLocker file recovery requires an unlocked volume
Can file recovery scan a BitLocker drive?
Short answer
Only once the volume is unlocked: recovery software cannot interpret encrypted blocks without the key. Find your 48-digit BitLocker recovery key, for example in your Microsoft account, unlock the drive or an image of it, and scan that unlocked view. File Recovery Hero cannot bypass BitLocker encryption.
The situation
Files are missing on an encrypted Windows volume or the volume no longer unlocks.
Files are missing on an encrypted Windows volume or the volume no longer unlocks. If the original source has not been written to again, useful file-system traces or data blocks may still remain for BitLocker-encrypted drive. A read-only scan can assess the source, but no result should be promised before that examination.
01 / Diagnose
Work out what actually disappeared
Recovery software cannot interpret encrypted blocks without the key and a readable, unlocked volume. Encryption recovery and deleted-file recovery are separate problems. For BitLocker-encrypted drive, first separate a missing path, folder or volume name from actual deletion. That distinction determines the safest next recovery step.
Check the last known path, trash and backups without writing to the original device.
02 / Protect the source
Preserve the best recovery chance
- 1
Disconnect or remove BitLocker-encrypted drive and prevent further writes.
- 2
Write down the device, the date and the last action before the loss so you can match recovered files later.
- 3
Check known destinations, backups and trash without restoring anything onto the source.
- 4
Export every candidate only to internal storage or a physically different drive.
Locate the BitLocker recovery key and work from an unlocked image. File Recovery Hero cannot bypass BitLocker encryption. Do not record a test file and do not approve formatting or file-system repair.
03 / Choose the method
Match the tool to the source
For stable, readable exFAT, NTFS and FAT16/FAT32 or uncompressed IMG, DD, RAW and BIN images.
Unconfirmed exports are marked .UNVERIFIED.
Software cannot reconstruct overwritten blocks or storage cells that are no longer readable. If the source disconnects repeatedly or becomes unusually warm, a professional laboratory is the safer route.
04 / Verify
Check the recovered content, not just its name
Validate files recovered from BitLocker-encrypted drive completely: compare the size and format, then read the content from beginning to end. A preview or surviving filename is not proof of a complete recovery.
Keep the source until two verified copies exist. One working preview is not enough.
Sources and technical references
FAQ
Questions about this recovery case
Can BitLocker-encrypted drive be recovered in this situation?+
Files are missing on an encrypted Windows volume or the volume no longer unlocks. If the original source has not been written to again, useful file-system traces or data blocks may still remain for BitLocker-encrypted drive. A read-only scan can assess the source, but no result should be promised before that examination. The result still depends on what remains readable on the source.
What should I avoid before scanning?+
Locate the BitLocker recovery key and work from an unlocked image.
Does scanning write to my memory card?+
Your memory card is only read. Nothing is saved to it.
How do I know whether the result is complete?+
Validate files recovered from BitLocker-encrypted drive completely: compare the size and format, then read the content from beginning to end.