BitLocker is a drive encryption utility that comes pre-installed with Windows 11/10. It is useful in keeping important files away from intruders. This is done by using a Password, or various other authentication methods. New files tend to be automatically encrypted when they are added to the encrypted drive. But if you copy a file from an encrypted drive to a decrypted file, it will by default be decrypted. In this article, we will be checking how to check the status of BitLocker Drive Encryption for Drives on Windows 11/10. We will be using the Command Prompt and PowerShell command-line utilities.
Check BitLocker Drive Encryption status for Drive
We will be doing this task using two methods. They are-
- Using the Windows Command Prompt.
- Using Windows PowerShell.
1] Using the Windows Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt by searching for cmd in the search box.
Now type in the following command and hit Enter:
manage-bde -status
This will show the Status of all the drives irrespective of it being encrypted or decrypted.
But if you wish to check the status for a specific drive, you can execute this command:
manage-bde -status <Drive Letter>:
You will see a Protection On/Off message.
2] Using Windows PowerShell
Open Windows PowerShell by searching for PowerShell in the search box.
Now type in the following command and hit Enter:
Get-BitLockerVolume
This will show the status of all the drives irrespective of it being encrypted or decrypted.
But if you wish to check the status for a specific drive, you can enter this command,
Get-BitLockerVolume -MountPoint "<Drive Letter>:"
You will see the status under VolumeStatus.
Alternatively, you can view the status in the Control Panel as well.
