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How to Unlock BitLocker-Protected Drive C:

When performing deep scan data recovery, copying files offline, resetting a Windows password, or repairing a system that fails to boot, you may find that Drive C: is locked by BitLocker. If the system drive is protected by BitLocker encryption, it must be unlocked before Lazesoft tools can access files or run recovery operations.

Requirements

A working Windows computer
Your BitLocker recovery password (48-digit format) or your BitLocker recovery key file (.bek) saved on a USB drive or external media

Step 1: Create a Lazesoft Boot Disk

Run Lazesoft Recovery Suite on a working Windows computer.
Click Burn CD/USB Disk.
On the Lazesoft Media Builder home page, select the target Windows version: same as this computer (this is important to ensure BitLocker unlock support).
Follow the wizard to create a new Lazesoft bootable CD or USB disk.

Welcome to Lazesoft Recovery Suite bootable media builder.

Step 2: Boot the Locked Computer

Insert the newly created Lazesoft boot disk into the locked computer or tablet.
Reboot the device and boot from the Lazesoft CD/USB disk.
Wait until the Lazesoft Recovery Suite boot environment is fully loaded.

Step 3: Open Command Prompt

When the Lazesoft Recovery Suite main window appears, close it.
Open the Start menu in the lower-left corner.
Launch Command Prompt.

Step 4: Unlock Drive C: Using a BitLocker Recovery Password

If you have the BitLocker recovery password, run:

manage-bde -unlock C: -recoverypassword 111111-222222-333333-444444-555555-666666-777777-888888

Important: Replace the numbers above with your actual 48-digit recovery password.

Step 5: Unlock Using a BitLocker Recovery Key File (Alternative)

If you have a BitLocker recovery key file, use:

manage-bde -unlock C: -recoverykey PathToExternalKeyFile

Example:

manage-bde -unlock C: -recoverykey E:\BitLockerKey\RecoveryKey.bek

Step 6: If Drive C: Still Appears Locked

After unlocking, if drive C: is still reported as locked, try disabling BitLocker protectors:

manage-bde -protectors -disable C:

If needed, you can also turn off BitLocker entirely for the drive:

manage-bde -off C:

Note: Turning off BitLocker will decrypt the drive and may take some time depending on disk size.

After Unlocking the Drive

Once drive C: is unlocked, you can safely proceed with:

Deep scan data recovery
Copying files offline
Resetting Windows passwords
Repairing boot or system issues

using Lazesoft Recovery Suite tools.

Troubleshooting Tips

Ensure you selected target Windows version: same as this computer when creating the boot disk.
Double-check the recovery password format (48 digits with hyphens).
Confirm the recovery key file path and drive letter are correct.
If BitLocker credentials are unavailable, unlocking the drive is not possible.

Need More Help?

If you cannot unlock the BitLocker-protected drive or need further assistance, please contact Lazesoft Support:

https://www.lazesoft.com/contact.html

Lazesoft Recovery Suite is easy to use, powerful boot disk design to Recover Data, Recover crashed Windows System, Recover Windows Password, Clone or Backup Disk, etc.

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