Question I encrypted a USB stick using Bitlocker and then told it's not compatible with my Windows version ?

[itm]

I encrypted a USB memory stick using Bitlocker on Windows 11 Pro (23H2), then removed it and checked that I could read it on another Windows 11 machine. No problem - I could read it fine.

However I then re-inserted it into the original machine (the one used to encrypt it), and was told:

" The bitlocker encryption on this drive isn't compatible with your version of Windows "

???

I've tried removing and re-inserting it, other USB ports, nothing has worked so far. I can no longer read it (although it can still be unlocked and read on the 2nd machine). This is my first experience with Bitlocker and it hasn't inspired much confidence!

The machine is a B450 Aorus Elite/Ryzen 7. 32GB RAM.

Has anyone else had this sort of problem with Bitlocker?

 

[Ralston18]

Seems unusual to me.

I.e., only the encrypting system will open and read a drive while other systems are unable to do so even when provided with the ncecessary credentials.

My thoughts:

1.) Review Bitlocker and how it works:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/w...system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/faq

2.) Encrypt and test another "test" USB memory stick Determine if the problem remains.

Post accordingly.

 

[dwd999]

Which method of bitlocker encryption did you use; the password method, the smart card method or the TPM linked method? Only the password method is supposed to be independent of the hardware and software.

 

[itm]

Which method of bitlocker encryption did you use; the password method, the smart card method or the TPM linked method? Only the password method is supposed to be independent of the hardware and software.

Yes I used the password method, for that very reason. The password worked fine on the 2nd machine when I tried it

 

[dwd999]

Yes I used the password method, for that very reason. The password worked fine on the 2nd machine when I tried it

And you got the Safe to Remove Hardware pop-up box before unplugging the drive?

 

[itm]

And you got the Safe to Remove Hardware pop-up box before unplugging the drive?

Yes. It remains readable on the 2nd machine, but not on the machine that was used to encrypt it