BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature that integrates with the Windows operating system. When activated, it will encrypt the contents of hard drives in Windows, making the data inaccessible without the correct decryption key. It is designed to minimize the risk of data theft or exposure of lost or stolen computers.
When a user starts their computer and successfully authenticates with the correct credentials, BitLocker will decrypt the data and enable seamless use of the hard disk and the data it contains. Without the correct credentials, encrypted hard drive data will look like random noise.
Installing BitLocker and
Ubuntu If you
plan to install Ubuntu along with Windows, you need to take into account the operational configuration of your computer
.
- If you are not using BitLocker, Ubuntu will be able to see the correct structure of the hard drive, including partitions and data stored on it. This allows the guided wizard to correctly map the data and make adjustments securely to accommodate the additional installation of Ubuntu alongside Windows.
- If you use BitLocker, the contents of your hard disk will not be accessible and will appear as random noise. This means that the Ubuntu installer cannot properly map the data, and the additional installation cannot be done safely without data loss… In addition, some manufacturers ship BitLocker-enabled systems but the contents of the hard disk are not yet encrypted. In this case, the Ubuntu installer will also not be able to properly map the data.
You can:
- Cancel the installation of Ubuntu and continue using Windows only
- stored in Windows is not important and that you are willing to overwrite the contents of the data. The Ubuntu installer can erase the entire contents of the hard drive and create its own structure (partitions and data). This is a destructive operation, with no option to recover any data from Windows.
- Decide to turn off BitLocker. This will disable the encryption feature, and the hard drive and its data will be visible and accessible from the Ubuntu installer, allowing you to correctly and securely configure a side-by-side configuration. For systems with BitLocker enabled but not yet encrypted, you must first turn on BitLocker and then turn it off.
- Note Not all versions of Windows will allow you to re-enable BitLocker after you disable it. If you want to re-encrypt your Windows partition after installing Ubuntu next to it, verify that your version of Windows supports it.
. Decide that the data
Turn off BitLocker
If you decide to proceed with the third option, you will need to do the following
:Back
- up your data: Any encryption procedure, change in the structure of the hard disk, or installation of new operating systems on a hard disk that already contains data can result in data loss. You must ensure that your personal data is secure. Even simply copying important files to an external drive can minimize the risk of data loss.
- Exit the Ubuntu installer and restart the computer on Windows.
- In Windows, open Settings > type Manage BitLocker in the search box. Alternatively, open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Windows will now inform you that it is going to decrypt the data.
<img src="https://ubuntucommunity.s3.dualstack.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/original/2X/2/21a3a716e7c19d6b601396dbfa40c8d9f2eed028.png"
alt=”bitlocker-decryption-warning” />
This process may take a while:
<img
src=”https://ubuntucommunity.s3.dualstack.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/original/2X/2/23914c12f309054e919a827b58f423c13b77ac88.png” alt=”bitlocker-decrypting” />
- Having completed this step, restart the computer, log in to Windows, to make sure that everything works properly and all your data is intact. Restart
- your computer again and launch the Ubuntu installer. At this point, you will be able to proceed with the hard drive setup step.
