Read this KB to learn how you can use BitRaser to wipe a BitLocker Encrypted Drive.
BitLocker was introduced in Windows Vista in the year 2006 as a full disk encryption feature. It is intended to protect data by encrypting the entire contents of a hard drive or an external drive, including the operating system, system files, and user data(Refer to Image 1). The user can encrypt the drive using a password or a smart card. The drive once encrypted ensures that there is no unauthorized access to confidential and sensitive data stored on the drive in case the computer is lost, stolen, or misplaced. BitLocker is a default feature in most Windows editions post Vista like Windows 11, 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, etc. BitLocker encrypted drives can only be accessed if the user knows the encryption password, BitLocker recovery key, or the smart card that was used to encrypt the drive.
Image 1: BitLocker Encrypted Drive Icon
However, there have been numerous incidents where users forget their BitLocker password or misplace the recovery key. In this case, it becomes crucial to protect a user's data from leakage and unauthorized access.Therefore, to keep the data secure and to be able to reuse the encrypted drive the user must know how to wipe a BitLocker encrypted drive.
How to Wipe BitLocker Encrypted Drive?
A BitLocker encrypted drive must be decrypted before it can be used again. However, in situations where the user is unable to decrypt the drive, the data and encryption must be removed from the drive. It can be achieved by using data-wiping software that is capable of wiping BitLocker encrypted drives.
BitRaser is a reliable software that adheres to the industry standards for data wiping, such as DoD 5220.22-M, and NIST 800-88. It is a certified and professional data-wiping software that can wipe BitLocker encrypted drives. It permanently removes data from different types of drives like SATA, PATA, SSD, USB, SCSI, SAS, etc.
Let's see how you can use BitRaser to Wipe a BitLocker Encrypted Drive:
Using BitRaser Drive Eraser you can wipe drives and devices permanently. To see step-by-step instructions for downloading and creating a bootable USB. Click Here!
Once, the bootable USB has been created you can start the wiping of the BitLocker Encrypted Drive.
Step 1:Restart your machine and go to the BIOS Settings as per your machine.
For Example, In Dell Latitude, you must press F12. (Refer to Image 2)and, on HP EliteBooks, press F10.
Image 2: Select BitRaser USB to Boot with BitRaser Drive Eraser
Step 2: Select the USB that contains 'BitRaser Drive Eraser ISO' (UEFI HP v236w)and then press 'Enter'. It will bring you to the 'BitRaser Boot options' page. By default, the option 'BitRaser' is selected, and the selection will be executed automatically. (Refer to Image 3)
Image 3: Select BitRaser to Boot using BitRaser
Step 3:OnceBitRaser Drive Eraser starts, connect the application to the internet by clicking on the settings icon 
in the top right corner. Then, click on the 'Network' tab and select the method that you want to use for connecting to the internet. We have selected the Wireless method. Enter your WiFi credentials and then click on connect. (Refer to Image 4)
Image 4: Connect BitRaser Drive Eraser to the Internet using the Wireless Method
Step 4: Once connected click on the 'BitRaser Server' tab, and using the login credentials received in the mail, connect the BitRaser application to your 'BitRaser Cloud Account'. As soon as you are connected, the number of licenses will appear in the bottom right corner. (Refer to Image 5)
Image 5: Enter Login Credentials on the BitRaser Server Tab and Press Connect
Step 5:Select the BitLocker Encrypted Drive, and click on 'Erase'. You will see a 'Warning Box' click on 'Yes'. (Refer to Image 6)
You can see the 'Erasure Progress' as the BitLocker Drive gets erased. (Refer to Image 7)
Image 6: Select BitLocker Encrypted Drive then Click Erase and then Click Yes
Image 7: BitLocker Drive Erasure Progress Screen
After the process is completed, BitLocker encryption and all encrypted data are removed. Your BitLocker Encrypted Drive has been completely erased of all data.You can refer to the automatically generated reports of erasure to check the results. (Refer to Report below)
