The presence of a padlock icon on hard drives in the Windows 10 File Explorer indicates that the hard drive has been encrypted using BitLocker or Device Encryption programs.
BitLocker, which is available in Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 10, enables users to encrypt hard drives to safeguard their data. The built-in encryption program adds a padlock icon on hard drives within File Explorer, allowing users to quickly identify which hard drives are protected by BitLocker.
Content Summary
Solution 1: Resume BitLocker protection for hard drive
Solution 2: Disable BitLocker protection for hard drive
The lock indicates that the drives are encrypted. An unlocked state grants access to the data stored in the hard drive. Depending on the encryption status of the hard drive, users may observe one of three corresponding icons on the drives.
Locked padlock: BitLocker enabled and locked state: Volume is inaccessible. You will need to type the BitLocker password to open the drive and access the data in it.
Unlocked padlock: BitLocker enabled but unlocked state: Hard Drive is encrypted and keys are protected. You don’t have to enter the BitLocker password to open it.
Unlocked padlock with yellow warning triangle: BitLocker is inactive or the protection is temporarily suspended: Hard Drive is encrypted but everyone has access. This icon is also used to indicate the BitLocker is pre-provisioned. You can resume the BitLocker on the drive or disable the BitLocker for the drive to remove the icon.
Solution 1: Resume BitLocker protection for hard drive
Right-click on the hard drive and click Resume BitLocker protection option. Alternatively, you can restart the computer once to automatically resume the BitLocker protection.
Solution 2: Disable BitLocker protection for hard drive
Step 1: Right-click on the hard drive for which you want to turn off the BitLocker protection and click Manage BitLocker option to open the BitLocker Drive Encryption window.
Step 2: Click on Turn off BitLocker link.
Step 3: Click Turn off the BitLocker button to turn off the BitLocker encryption for the drive when confirmation dialog shown.
Step 4: Windows 10 might take minutes to hours to decrypt the drive, depend on the size of the data and drive.
Alex Lim
Alex Lim is a certified IT Technical Support Architect with over 15 years of experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex IT systems and networks. He has worked for leading IT companies, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco, providing technical support and solutions to clients across various industries and sectors. Alex has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore and a master’s degree in information security from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also the author of several best-selling books on IT technical support, such as The IT Technical Support Handbook and Troubleshooting IT Systems and Networks. Alex lives in Bandar, Johore, Malaysia with his wife and two chilrdren. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him on Website | Twitter | Facebook
