The drawback using BitLocker is that usually prevents a successful upgrade to a new version of Windows 10. However, to avoid this problem, the Windows 10 setup suspends the encryption and adds a decrypt key in clear text to allow the system access to the partition to complete the upgrade process. Once the Windows 10 upgrade is complete the key in plain text is removed, and then BitLocker will enable again automatically. This means that the Windows 10 upgrade process on a device using BitLocker is the same to a device without using the security feature. The only caveat with this process is that your data is technically vulnerable during the upgrade process, as anyone with the right knowledge could get access to your data. So, if you’re planning to store important files on a drive, you should also consider to keep your device on a secure location.
Optional settings when using BitLocker
If you’re using a USB bootable media to install a new feature update, starting with version 1803 (April 2018 Update), Windows 10 introduces some new commands options to control the behavior of BitLocker.
Setup.exe /BitLocker AlwaysSuspend – Always suspends BitLocker during upgrade process. Setup.exe /BitLocker TryKeepActive – Enables upgrade without suspending BitLocker, but if the upgrade doesn’t work then BitLocker will be suspended to complete the upgrade. Setup.exe /BitLocker ForceKeepActive – Enables upgrade without suspending BitLocker, but if upgrade doesn’t work the upgrade will fail.
To use the above commands, you’ll need to create a USB bootable media, and follow these steps: Once you completed the steps, Windows 10 will try to install a new feature update enforcing the option you specified.
Setup.exe /BitLocker AlwaysSuspend Setup.exe /BitLocker TryKeepActive Setup.exe /BitLocker ForceKeepActive
These new settings are available on device running Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise with Secure Boot enabled and where TPM is available. If you don’t specified an option, Windows 10 will always suspend (not disable) BitLocker to upgrade to a new version. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
