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How to Install Windows 11 Without BitLocker
You’ll find the detailed procedure below
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
BitLocker is a drive-encryption feature introduced in the Windows Vista iteration and has been a part of the ecosystem ever since. Though many like it, some users want to install Windows 11 without BitLocker.
The BitLocker feature is only available on the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 11 and not the Home edition. But, some 2-in-1 laptops and certain tablets support Device Encryption in Windows 11, a feature similar to BitLocker.
But, if you don’t want to have the feature on your system, here’s how you can install Windows 11 without BitLocker.
How can I install Windows 11 without BitLocker?
As discussed earlier, BitLocker is bundled with the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 11. So, there’s no way you can install these editions without it.
However, a simple workaround would be to install Windows 11 Home, which doesn’t offer the BitLocker feature. To do that, selectWindows 11 Homewhen you are asked to select the operating system while clean installing Windows 11.
But there’s a downside to it, too. The Home edition also lacks several other features that you would be missing out on. Though, you candownload and enable Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit) on Windows 11 Homeedition as well.
If you want to install the Pro or Enterprise edition of the latest iteration but don’t want the feature, we recommenddisabling BitLocker in Windows 11. The process is fairly easy; this way, you can use the other features bundled with the edition.
What are the benefits of BitLocker in Windows 11?
In the present times, data theft and misuse have become common, and users have been looking for ways to prevent it. You canuse a reliable third-party antivirus in Windows 11that automatically scans for malware or viruses and eliminates them, such asESET NOD 32 Antivirus.
BitLocker, on the other hand, helps encrypt the data on the drive, thus making it unreadable to anyone with unauthorized access to your drive. Once encrypted, the data on the system is protected from any intrusion or breach.
Also, if your laptop or the hard drive from the desktop is stolen, its data could not be read or used without the BitLocker recovery key.
Besides, one of the best parts about the feature is that it doesn’t hog the system resources. So, even if your PC has low specifications, having BitLocker running in the background shouldn’t affect the performance.
Though if you are not a big fan of BitLocker, there are various otherdata encryption software for Windows 11that you can try, or check our detailedcomparison on Device Encryption vs BitLockerto make an informed choice.
You now know the benefits of BitLocker and how to install Windows 11 without it. And you can even disable BitLocker if it comes preinstalled on your system.
Also, do not hesitate to find outwhat to do if Windows 11 asks for the BitLocker recovery key when booting the OS.
Tell us your reason for installing Windows 11 without BitLocker and if you went ahead with the idea in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Bitlocker,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
