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How to Fix BitLocker Encryption Running Slow on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

BitLocker is a powerful tool for encrypting your drives and protecting your data on Windows 11. However, sometimes the encryption process can run slower than expected.

This can be frustrating, especially if you need your drive secured quickly. Fortunately, there are simple ways to improve BitLocker’s performance.

In this article, we will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to fix slow BitLocker encryption on Windows 11. No technical experience is required.

By following these tips, you can speed up the encryption process and keep your data safe without unnecessary delays.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Ensure your PC is plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions during encryption.
  • Make sure you have enough free disk space on the drive you want to encrypt.
  • Close all unnecessary programs to reduce system load and improve encryption speed.
  • Check for Windows updates, as some performance improvements might be included in the latest patches.

Step 1: Pause and Resume BitLocker Encryption

Sometimes, BitLocker encryption may slow down due to temporary system issues. Pausing and resuming the encryption can refresh the process.

  1. Press Windows + S and type Manage BitLocker, then open the BitLocker Drive Encryption settings.
  2. Find the drive currently encrypting and click Pause.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then click Resume to continue encryption.

This simple action helps clear minor glitches that might be slowing down BitLocker.

Step 2: Adjust BitLocker Encryption Method to XTS-AES

Windows 11 uses a default encryption method that balances security and performance. Switching to the XTS-AES algorithm can improve speed without sacrificing security.

  1. Open Group Policy Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing gpedit.msc, and hitting Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives.
  3. Double-click Choose drive encryption method and cipher strength.
  4. Select Enabled, then from the drop-down choose XTS-AES 128-bit or XTS-AES 256-bit.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

After making this change, restart your PC and resume encryption to see improved performance.

Step 3: Disable CPU Throttling and Power Saving Features

BitLocker encryption is CPU-intensive. If your processor is running in a power-saving mode, encryption speed can slow down.

To maximize CPU performance:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Power & battery > Power mode.
  3. Set the power mode to Best performance.

This ensures your CPU runs at full speed during encryption, which can speed up BitLocker.

Step 4: Run BitLocker Encryption from Command Prompt

Using the Command Prompt sometimes offers better control and faster performance compared to the graphical interface.

Here’s how to start or resume BitLocker encryption via command line:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to check encryption status:
    manage-bde -status
  3. To resume encryption on drive C:, type:
    manage-bde -resume C:
  4. To start encryption (if paused or not started), use:
    manage-bde -on C: -usedspaceonly

The -usedspaceonly option encrypts only the space already used on your drive, which is much faster than full encryption.

Step 5: Check for Disk Errors and Health

Slow BitLocker encryption can be caused by disk issues such as bad sectors or fragmentation.

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
  3. You may be prompted to schedule a scan on next reboot — type Y and restart your PC.

This scan repairs disk errors that may slow down encryption. Also, consider defragmenting your hard drive if it is an HDD (not needed for SSDs).

Step 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Security Software

Some antivirus programs can interfere with BitLocker processes, slowing down encryption.

Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software during encryption. Make sure to re-enable it afterwards to keep your system protected.

Alternative Advanced Options

  • Use SSD Drives: BitLocker encrypts SSDs faster than traditional HDDs due to faster read/write speeds.
  • Encrypt Used Space Only: This option speeds up encryption by skipping free space. It’s usually enough for new drives.
  • Check for Driver Updates: Outdated storage drivers can slow down disk operations. Update drivers via Device Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is BitLocker encryption so slow on my Windows 11 PC?

Slow encryption can be caused by CPU power-saving modes, disk issues, running other heavy programs, or using full encryption instead of used space only.

Can I pause BitLocker encryption safely?

Yes, pausing BitLocker is safe and can help refresh the process. Just resume it when you are ready.

Does encrypting only used disk space reduce security?

Encrypting only used space is faster and still protects your existing data. However, free space is not encrypted immediately, so new data written later will be encrypted on the fly.

Will disabling antivirus affect my PC during encryption?

Temporarily disabling antivirus can speed up encryption but ensure you enable it again right after to keep your PC safe.

Is BitLocker encryption slower on HDDs than SSDs?

Yes, HDDs have slower read/write speeds, which can make encryption take longer compared to SSDs.

When Nothing Works

If BitLocker encryption remains slow after trying these steps, consider these options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for official help.
  • Backup and Reformat: Back up your data, format the drive, and try encrypting again.
  • Use Third-Party Encryption Tools: If BitLocker performance is unacceptable, explore reputable alternatives like VeraCrypt.

Conclusion

BitLocker encryption speed on Windows 11 can be improved by following simple troubleshooting steps such as pausing and resuming encryption, adjusting encryption methods, and ensuring your CPU runs at full performance.

Checking disk health and using command-line options can also help speed things up. Always remember to keep your system updated and avoid running heavy programs during encryption.

With these straightforward solutions, you can enjoy a faster BitLocker experience while keeping your data secure.

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