You can remove a BitLocker password by decrypting the drive and removing its protection. Once the protection is off, you can then encrypt it again with a new password.

However, did you know that you can change your BitLocker password without disabling protection? If you'd rather not go through the process of removing and re-adding your drive's security, here's how to do it on the fly.

Why Change Your BitLocker Password?

Changing important passwords at least semi-regularly is a good idea. It is one of the easiest ways to ensure accounts and other protected places stay secure.

How secure your BitLocker-protected drives need to be, depends mainly on where your computer is located. Your home PC will probably be reasonably safe from unauthorized access. A computer in a more public area, such as a workplace, may need to be kept more secure.

You need to unlock the BitLocker drive before you can change the password. You can set up the auto-unlock feature on your BitLocker drive to make access easier. If you haven't done this, unlock it with your password in the usual way.

Changing the BitLocker Password in This PC

There are a few ways to change the password on a BitLocker-protected drive. The first method is via the This PC section of your Windows computer.

  1. Open File Explorer and click This PC in the navigation panel on the left.
  2. All of your drives should be displayed in the Drives and Devices section. You might have to expand that section to see them.
  3. Right-click on the drive you want to change the password for. Select Change BitLocker password from the context menu.
  4. Enter both your old and new passwords in the new panel that opens. Confirm the new password and click the Change password button.
Editing the BitLocker password in This PC

Remember to update the password details in your password manager or anywhere else you keep a record of your passwords.

Update Your Password in the BitLocker Manager

You can also update your BitLocker password through the drive encryption management panel.

  1. You can find the BitLocker Manager in Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
  2. In the list of protected drives, find the drive you want to change the password for. Click the arrow to expand the drive options.
  3. Click Change Password, and enter your old password in the relevant field.
  4. Enter and confirm your new password, and then click the Change password button.
Changing bitlocker password in bitlocker manager

Using Command Prompt to Change the BitLocker Password

If you can't access either of the two methods explored above, you can change your BitLocker password in Command Prompt. Command Prompt is a powerful tool, and understanding how to use it is a useful skill for any Windows user.

  1. In Windows Search, type cmd and choose Run as Administrator for Command Prompt.
  2. In Command Prompt, type: manage-bde -changepassword H:. Replace H with the drive letter for your drive.
  3. You will then be asked to enter and confirm your new password in Command Prompt. You won't need to enter your existing password, but the drive needs to be unlocked to use this method.
Changing Bitlocker password in Command Prompt

Choosing a Strong Password

It shouldn't need saying, but it so often does. You should always, for BitLocker or elsewhere, choose a strong password.

Microsoft offers several tips for creating a strong password. These include making it at least 8 characters, don't use your name, don't use a single word such as giraffe, and making sure it isn't the same as passwords used elsewhere.

If you want to learn more about how passwords get hacked and how to create a strong password that you won't forget, these guides will help.

Update or Change Your BitLocker Passwords

Regularly changing your password is an easy way to ensure BitLocker encryption remains secure. You can easily change the password on a drive that is already protected, so there is no reason not to employ this security measure.