How to Decrypt a Thumb Drive in Windows 7

BitLocker decryption.

BitLocker is Microsoft's answer to full disk encryption. It is a very safe and effective way to protect your data if it falls into the wrong hands. With the release of Windows Vista, you were originally able to use BitLocker to encrypt the drive that had the Operating System (OS). With Windows Vista SP1, you can encrypt multiple drives. Windows 7 adds the ability to encrypt and decrypt portable media, such as thumb drives and portable hard drives.

Things You'll Need

• USB thumb drive
• Windows 7 operating system (OS)

Instructions

1. 

   Click the "Start" button and type "BitLocker drive encryption" in the instant search field.

2. Click "BitLocker Drive Encryption." A list of drives will appear. Click "Unlock Drive" to gain access to your encrypted USB thumb drive. You will be asked to supply your password. Once you have input the correct password, you will be able to continue with the decryption process.

3. 

   Click "Turn Off BitLocker" to begin the decryption process.

4. 

   Select "Decrypt Drive" to begin the process. A 2 GB thumb drive will decrypt faster than a 16 GB thumb drive. A progress bar will show you when the decryption process is complete.

5. Click "Close" once the decryption process is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not remove the USB thumb drive without clicking "Pause" during the decryption process. If you pull the thumb drive out prior to the decryption process completing, you will corrupt the drive and lose all of your data.

References

• BitLocker Drive Encryption