Back Up BitLocker-Encrypted Drives

Backblaze Computer Backup supports backing up files stored on BitLocker-encrypted drives.

BitLocker encrypts an entire drive at the system level. When the drive is unlocked and accessible in Windows, Backblaze can read and back up files normally. No additional configuration is required.

As long as the drive is unlocked and mounted, Backblaze treats it like any other local or attached drive.

Requirements

• The drive must be unlocked and accessible in Windows.
  Backblaze cannot back up files from a BitLocker-encrypted drive if the drive is locked.

• The drive must be local or directly attached (for example, internal drive or USB drive).

• The files must not be excluded by your Backblaze settings.

• If a removable BitLocker-encrypted drive is disconnected or locked, it will not be backed up until it is reconnected and unlocked.

• Backblaze backs up the files on the drive, not the encrypted state of the disk itself.

BitLocker vs. VeraCrypt or TrueCrypt

Unlike VeraCrypt or TrueCrypt containers, BitLocker does not require you to close or unmount a volume before it can be backed up.

• BitLocker: Files are backed up normally while the drive is unlocked

• VeraCrypt/TrueCrypt: Containers must be unmounted before they can be backed up

If you are using VeraCrypt or TrueCrypt and want a solution that works seamlessly with Backblaze Computer Backup, BitLocker may be a suitable alternative.

For more information about backing up VeraCrypt or TrueCrypt containers, see
How to Back Up TrueCrypt Containers.