Bitlocker on external drives and BIOS updates - do I need to decrypt?

JobDiesel 20 Reputation points
2026-07-08T16:23:54.9766667+00:00

I want to use Bitlocker to encrypt external drives. Will I still need to decrypt or suspend Bitlocker for BIOS updates? My motherboard recommends decryption but it takes days each time.

If it is just a matter of inputting the keys, I can keep those safe.

Can I use a Bitlocker encrypted drive on a different PC, as long as it has Windows Pro and I have the key?

I am trying to protect sensitive data. I have multiple copies of said data. Is Bitlocker a good choice or are there pitfalls I need to consider?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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Answer accepted by question author
EmilyS726 268.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-08T16:57:43.3366667+00:00

For external BitLocker-encrypted drives, you normally do not need to decrypt them for a BIOS/UEFI update. BIOS update warnings mostly apply to the Windows system drive, because BitLocker on the OS drive can be tied to TPM, Secure Boot, and firmware measurements. If those measurements change during a BIOS or TPM firmware update, Windows may ask for the BitLocker recovery key at startup. Microsoft recommends suspending BitLocker before manufacturer firmware updates, TPM firmware updates, or other updates that modify boot components. Suspending is not the same as decrypting; the data remains encrypted, but BitLocker temporarily allows the system to boot through the firmware change.

So the practical approach is:

If your C: drive is BitLocker-encrypted, suspend BitLocker before the BIOS update, then resume it afterward.

For extra caution, disconnect external drives during the BIOS update unless the update process specifically requires them connected.

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