"Lock Drive" - Add to Context Menu of BitLocker Drives

Add "Lock Drive" to Unlocked BitLocker Drives Context Menu in Windows 7 and Windows 8
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   Information

To lock an unlocked fixed data drive (ex: internal hard drive) encrypted by BitLocker, you would normally restart the computer.

To lock an unlocked removable data drive (ex: USB drive) encrypted by BitLocker, you would normally disconnect it or restart the computer.

In Windows 8, if you have auto-unlock turned on for a data drive, then it will automatically be unlocked when connected (removable data drive) or you sign in to Windows 8 (fixed data drive).


This tutorial will show you how to add "Lock Drive" to the context menu of all unlocked fixed and removable data drives encrypted by BitLocker to be able to lock the drive in Windows 7 and Windows 8 without having to restart the computer for fixed data drives, disconnect removable data drives, and still be able to leave auto-unlock turned on for any data drives.

   Note

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in the tutorial, and to be able to use the "Lock Drive" context menu item.

"Lock Drive" is purposely not added to the context menu of the C: OS drive since it contains the current running operating system, and cannot be locked while Windows 8 is running.

   Warning

In Windows 7, BitLocker Drive Encryption is only available in the Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise editions.

In Windows 8, BitLocker Drive Encryption is only available in the Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise editions.

EXAMPLE: "Lock Drive" in Context Menu

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OPTION ONE

To Add "Lock Drive" to Context Menu of Unlocked BitLocker Drives

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1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .ZIP file below.​

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Add_Lock_Drive_to_Context_Menu.zip​

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2. Save the .ZIP file to your desktop, and open it.​

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3. Extract (drag and drop) the contents (.vbs and .reg files) from inside the ZIP file to your desktop.​

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4. Unblock the extracted lock-bde.vbs file.​

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5. In File Explorer (Windows 8) or Windows Explorer (Windows 7), navigate to C:\Windows\System32, and copy/move the lock-bde.vbs file into the System32 folder.​

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6. If prompted, click/tap on Continue and Yes to approve.​

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7. Double click/tap on the extracted .reg file to merge it.​

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8. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK.​

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   Note

When you lock a drive encrypted by BitLocker, you will be prompted by UAC to click/tap on "Yes" to approve first. After a moment, the drive will be locked.

   Note

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If the drive has been turned off due to being idle, then it will take a few more seconds to be locked while it waits for the HDD to spin back up.​

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OPTION TWO

Remove "Lock Drive" from Context Menu of Unlocked BitLocker Drives

NOTE: This is the default setting.

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1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below.​

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Remove_Lock_Drive_from_Context_Menu.reg​

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2. Save the .reg file to your desktop.​

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3. Double click/tap on the .reg file to merge it.​

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4. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK.​

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5. In File Explorer (Windows 8) or Windows Explorer (Windows 7), navigate to C:\Windows\System32, and delete the lock-bde.vbs file.​

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6. If prompted, click/tap on Yes (UAC) to approve deleting the lock-bde.vbs file.​

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Turn On or Off BitLocker for Fixed Data Drives in Windows 8
• How to Turn On or Off BitLocker for Internal Data Hard Drives in Windows 7
• How to Turn On or Off BitLocker To Go for Removable Data Drives in Windows 8
• How to Turn On or Off BitLocker To Go for Removable Drives in Windows 7
• How to Turn On or Off Auto-unlock of BitLocker Encrypted Data Drives in Windows 8
• How to Suspend or Resume BitLocker Protection on Windows 7 Drive
• How to Back Up the BitLocker Recovery Key of a Drive in Windows 8
• How to Unlock a Drive using BitLocker Recovery in Windows 8
• How to Use BitLocker Repair Tool to Recover a Drive in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Change or Reset the BitLocker Password of a Drive in Windows 8
• How to Allow or Prevent Standard Users from Changing BitLocker Password or Pin in Windows 8
• How to Check BitLocker Status of Drive in Windows 7 and Windows 8

 

[Brink]

Using OPTION TWO in the tutorial will remove the "Lock drive" context menu item completely.

 

[bombadil]

Ok, I should have seen that. Thanks again for your help, and patience.

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome.

 

[Subas Ngarden]

Thank you so much...... It worked for me.... ("Lock Drive" option never used to appear in drop- down before). Now :thumb: :thumb:

 

[Brink]

I'm glad is could help Subas Ngarden, and welcome to Eight Forums.