Fix: The drive protected by BitLocker is already unlocked

BitLocker is an in-built feature of Windows which encrypts the existing drives of the PC to secure the data of the PC. BitLocker key aids to unlock the BitLocker after encryption of drive. However, there are times when some users see a message of “The drive protected by BitLocker is already unlocked” appear on their PC screen.

Fix: The drive protected by BitLocker is already unlocked

This blogpost consists of 7 easy-to-follow fixes which will allow every user of Windows 11 solve the issue of already unlocked BitLocker. Hence, without wasting any further time, let us check out these simple fixes.

Fix 1: Checking Windows Update

Checking for Windows Update and downloading if any exists can aid in solving the issue of unlocked BitLocker. Thus, to do the same follow the steps given below-

Step 1- At first, go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Step 2- Next, download and install any available updates.

Fix 2: Restarting Windows Explorer or PC

Sometimes just simply restarting Windows Explorer or the PC might help to solve the issue of BitLocker is already unlocked. Hence, follow the steps given below to perform the restart of Windows Explorer.

Step 1- Firstly, go to Task Manager > Processes > Windows Explorer.

Step 2- Now, right-click the Windows Explorer and press Restart.

Fix 3: Repairing system image files

Bugs in system image files may also lead to unlocked BitLocker issue. Therefore, running System File Checker and the DISM tool will help in scanning and repairing these system files. Let us now take a look at how to run these tools.

Step 1- Firstly, go to start and type cmd. Next, right-click on Command Prompt and press Run as administrator.

Step 2- Next, in the command prompt window, type the command given below to run the SFC scan and press Enter.

sfc /scannow

Step 3- Again, to run the DSIM tool scan, type the commands given below one by one and press Enter after each command:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 4: Altering File Explorer settings

The visibility of certain features in File Explorer may also act as a cause of the BitLocker is already unlocked issue. Thereafter, to change the visibility of these settings, follow the instructions given below-

Step 1- Firstly, go to File Explorer.

Step 2- Next, select the File tab and go to Options.

Step 3- Lastly, in the window of Folder Options, visit View tab and disable the Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process option under it.

Fix 5: Turning BitLocker off/on

At times, even just disabling and enabling the BitLocker may aid in fixing the problem of BitLocker already unlocked. Thus, we can do the same by using the given steps.

Step 1- Primarily, go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.

 Step 2- Next, first turn off the BitLocker and thereafter turn it on again.

Fix 6: Clearing cache of File Explorer

One can also try clearing the cache of File Explorer to solve the aforementioned issue. Hence, let us look at the steps which will help us to do the same.

Step 1- Firstly, visit File Explorer > File > Options.

Step 2- Next, in the Folder Options window, below the General tab, go to Privacy section.

Step 3- Lastly, enable all the options underneath the Privacy section and select Clear and OK.

Fix 7: Adjusting the auto-unlock feature of BitLocker

If all the above fixes don’t work, then try toggling the auto-unlock feature of BitLocker. Now, let us check the steps to do the same.

Step 1- Once again, go to BitLocker encryption.

Step 2- Next, under Fixed data drives, select the Turn off auto-unlock link.

 

Step 3- Lastly, restart the PC and enable the feature again.

Wishing that attempting all the fixes mentioned in this blogpost will lead to the fixation of the issue of unlocked BitLocker.