Error codes

Backup failed (BitLocker locked)

The backup cannot read the encrypted drive

What it means

The backup tool reached a BitLocker volume that was locked, so it could not read the files.

Common causes

• The drive locked after sleep or a firmware change
• The backup runs under an account without unlock rights
• A recovery key prompt is waiting

How to fix it

1. Unlock the drive in Explorer or with manage-bde -unlock D: -password before the backup runs.
2. Suspend BitLocker for a firmware change instead of disabling it.
3. Run the backup while you are signed in, not from a service account.
4. Keep the recovery key out of the backup target itself.