BitLocker NORTON?

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
1

Hello, I’d like to know why you’re enabling BitLocker on my drives without warning me beforehand and without my permission.
I’d also like to know why I often get network errors and download failures when I use the VPN.

Cordialement.

2

Hello @guillaume
Are you W11 24H2?
Why do you feel Norton is enabling BitLocker on your drives?
Is your PC asking for the BitLocker recovery key?
You see a padlock icon on your drives?
Are you reporting Norton turns on BitLocker?
And you’ve confirmed Norton uninstall…turns off BitLocker?

fwiw ~ I’ve read W11 24H2; device encryption will be enabled by default when you sign in or set up a device with a Microsoft account or work / school account.

fwiw ~ my W11 Home 23H2 has BitLocker on

Device Encryption in Windows

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AI Overview
BitLocker should generally be on, especially on laptops or if you have sensitive data. It encrypts your entire drive, preventing unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen. While it can slightly impact performance, the security benefits are significant, especially if you’re concerned about data privacy.

Reasons to Keep BitLocker On:
Security:
BitLocker encrypts your entire drive, making it extremely difficult for anyone to access your data if they gain physical access to your device.

Data Protection:
If your laptop is lost or stolen, BitLocker ensures that your personal information remains secure.

Business Use:
BitLocker is often used in businesses to protect confidential data on company systems, ensuring that data cannot be easily viewed by unauthorized individuals.

Potential Downsides:

  • Performance Impact:

BitLocker can slightly reduce system performance, especially on SSDs. Some users report a potential speed reduction of up to 45%, but this is often not noticeable in everyday use.

  • Recovery Key:

If you lose your BitLocker recovery key (which is essential to unlock your drive), you may need to reset your device, potentially losing all your data.

  • Complexity:

Some users may find the process of managing BitLocker keys and recovery options to be too complicated.

When to Consider Turning BitLocker Off:

  • Performance Concerns:

If you’re heavily involved in tasks like video editing or gaming that require maximum SSD performance, the impact of BitLocker might be noticeable. However, in most cases, the performance difference is minimal.

  • Hardware Issues:

If you’re experiencing issues with your laptop’s hardware, turning off BitLocker might be necessary to troubleshoot or perform repairs.

Recommendation:
For most users, especially those with laptops or sensitive data, it’s generally recommended to keep BitLocker enabled. The security benefits outweigh the potential performance impact in most scenarios. Just ensure you back up your BitLocker recovery key securely.

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AI Overview
BitLocker can activate for several reasons, including a Windows update, file corruption, BIOS/UEFI changes, or when a device meets certain requirements for automatic encryption. It can also be triggered by an administrator, a work or school organization, or even simply by signing into a device with a Microsoft account.

  1. Windows Updates and File Corruption:
  • A Windows update can sometimes trigger BitLocker, especially if the update involves system files or critical components.
  • If Windows detects file corruption, it may initiate a scan (like chkdsk) which can temporarily lock the drive, potentially activating BitLocker.
  1. BIOS/UEFI Changes:

  • Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings, including turning on Secure Boot, or changing boot order, can sometimes trigger BitLocker.

  • Upgrading the BIOS or UEFI firmware can also cause issues with BitLocker and prompt for a recovery key.

  1. Automatic Device Encryption:

  • Modern devices meeting certain requirements (like “InstantGo” or “Modern Standby” features) may have BitLocker automatically enabled when you sign in with a Microsoft account.

  • This automatic encryption often saves the BitLocker recovery key to your Microsoft account.

  1. Administrator or Organization Activation:

  • An administrator on your device can manually enable BitLocker encryption through settings or control panel.

  • Your work or school organization may also configure BitLocker encryption through policies.

  1. Other Triggers:

  • Entering the wrong PIN too many times can trigger BitLocker recovery mode.

  • Turning off TPM support in BIOS/UEFI can also cause problems.

  • Changing the NTFS partition table or boot manager can trigger recovery.

In summary, BitLocker activation can be a result of various factors, including updates, hardware changes, administrator actions, and device-specific settings. If you encounter a situation where BitLocker is unexpectedly activated, try to identify the cause (e.g., recent updates, BIOS changes) and consult Microsoft Support for guidance on recovering access to your drive.

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