Pausing BitLocker is suitable for system maintenance, avoiding repeated unlocking prompts or preventing recovery from triggering; 2. Pausing BitLocker with the control panel is only valid before the next restart, and it is usually automatically restored after restart; 3. Using the PowerShell command "Manage-bde -Protectors -Disable C: -RebootCount 0" can achieve persistent pause across restarts, suitable for automation tasks; 4. After maintenance is completed, you must click "Recover Protection" through the control panel or use PowerShell to execute "Manage-bde -Protectors -Enable C:" to re-enable protection; 5. During the suspension, the data is still encrypted but the key resides in memory, and the physical security risk increases. Protection should be restored as soon as possible to ensure security.

Suspending and recovering BitLocker protection in Windows is useful when you need to perform system maintenance, avoid repeated unlock prompts, or make changes that might trigger BitLocker recovery. Here's how to do it properly using built-in tools.

When to Suspend BitLocker

You should consider suspending BitLocker temporarily in scenarios like:

• Installing major system updates or drivers
• Making BIOS/UEFI changes
• Running disk maintenance tools
• Avoiding pre-boot authentication during automated reboots

Suspending BitLocker doesn't decrypt your drive — it simply keeps the encryption key accessible so the system can boot without prompting for a PIN or recovery key.

How to Suspend BitLocker Using Control Panel

1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption .
2. Find the drive you want to suspend (usually "Operating System Drive").
3. Click Suspend Protection .
4. Confirm the action when prompted.

After this, BitLocker protection is suspended. You'll see a message that protection is "Suspended" until the next reboot (or indefinitely, depending on settings).

?? Note: By default, suspension lasts until the next reboot. If you want to suspend across reboots, use PowerShell instead.

How to Suspend BitLocker Using PowerShell (Persistent Suspension)

To suspend BitLocker across reboots , use PowerShell as Administrator:

 Manage-bde -Protectors -Disable C: -RebootCount 0

• Replace C: with your OS drive if different.
• -RebootCount 0 means protection stays suspended indefinitely (until manually resumed).
• You can set a number (eg, 5) to auto-resume after 5 reboots.

This method is ideal for automated maintenance tasks.

How to Resume BitLocker Protection

Once maintenance is complete, resume protection to restore security.

Using Control Panel

1. Go to Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption .
2. Click Resume Protection next to the suspended drive.

Using PowerShell

Run as Administrator:

 Manage-bde -Protectors -Enable C:

This re-enables pre-boot authentication and restores full protection.

Important Notes

• Suspending BitLocker does not decrypt the drive — data remains encrypted.
• The encryption key stays in memory, making the system vulnerable if someone gains physical access during suspension.
• Always resume protection as soon as possible.
• If you suspend via Control Panel, protection often resumes automatically after one reboot — use PowerShell if you need more control.

Suspending and recovering BitLocker is straightforward if you use the right tool for your needs. For temporary, one-reboot suspension, Control Panel works fine. For longer or controlled suspension, PowerShell gives you full control. Just remember to resume when done — security should never stay off longer than necessary.

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