Paused BitLocker encryption because no longer want to encrypt the hard drive – how to get out of encrypting

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I'm hoping someone can help. I'm not a techy and can't seem to find the same question already answered.

I went to encrypt (using BitLocker) a Buffalo hard drive but after it took about 1 min to reach 0.2% 'encrypted' I decided to pause and eject, thinking this would have ended the encryption process. However, I had already assigned a password to it on the instruction pre the encryption beginning. I've since connected my hard drive again and I'm asked to input the password. If I don't I cannot access the drive. However, if I do, I CAN access the files but straight away the little BitLocker Drive Encryption dialogue box comes up saying Encryption in progress.. which I have the option to Pause. So I hit Pause straight away as I do not want to go through with the encryption. Is there any way I can stop the process and decrypt before encryption is completed? Or am I forever going to need to Pause quickly and eject. I fear that will affect my hard drive longer term.

Thanks.

Best Answer

According to a thread on a thread on Microsoft Answers, you should be able to select "Decrypt drive", "Turn off BitLocker" or a similar option in the BitLocker control panel.

I'm currently away from my PC and cannot confirm this personally, though.

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