Using Bitlocker, I have successfully encrypted a fixed data drive and set a password for unlocking the drive. However, when I restart the computer and log on with non-adminstrator account, I am not prompted to unlock the drive. If I open Explorer or Bitlocker from the control panel and attempt to manually unlock the drive, I'm prompted for the Bitlocker password. After entering the correct password, I'm prompted for adminstrator credentials. Why should unlocking a Bitlocker encrypted fixed data drive require administrator credentials? They are not required for operating system drive or removable drives.

Hi, To turn on, turn off, or change configurations of BitLocker on operating system and fixed data drives, membership in the local Administrators group is required. Standard users can turn on, turn off, or change configurations of BitLocker on removable data drives. For more information, please kindly refer to the following link: BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows 7: Frequently Asked Questions Hope it helps. Alex ZhaoPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Thanks for the reply. I understand that Administrator credentials are required to turn on or off BitLocker. The problem is that they are also being required for normal unlocking of the drive. The drive is fully encrypted. I reboot the computer, and then attempt to unlock the drive. When entering the drive password, I am prompted for Admistrative credentials.

Hi, Based on my test, change configurations of BitLocker on operating system and fixed data drives, such as unlock the drive, the administrator privilege is required; on removable data drives, this is not required. Alex ZhaoPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.