Why is there a lock icon on the drive and how to remove it?

Wondering why there is a lock icon on a drive in File Explorer? This article explains what it is and how to remove the lock icon from a drive in Windows 10.

Why is there a lock icon on drives in Windows 10?

Windows 10 has two built-in encryption features. The first is BitLocker and it is only available to Pro and Enterprise users. The second is called Device Encryption and is available to all users, including Windows 10 Home users.

If you see a lock icon on the drive and you're using Windows 10 Home or if you're sure you're not using BitLocker, it's because of Device Encryption.

Why is there a lock icon on the drive and how to remove it?
Lock icon on drive

While Device Encryption is available to all Windows 10 users, it's only automatically enabled when the following requirements are met:

  • Your laptop or desktop computer must have a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2 chip on the motherboard .
  • Support Modern Standby feature.
  • Has modern UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).
  • TPM functionality is enabled via UEFI.
  • You need to sign in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account.

If you don't use BitLocker and don't want to use Device Encryption, follow the steps below to turn off Device Encryption and remove the lock icon from the drive in Windows 10.

How to remove lock icon on drive in Windows 10

To remove the lock icon on drives in Windows 10, you must disable Device Encryption Here's how:

1. Open the Settings app in Windows 10 .

2. Click “Update & Security” .

3. Select “Device Encryption” on the sidebar.

Why is there a lock icon on the drive and how to remove it?
Select “Device Encryption” on the sidebar

4. Click “Turn off” on the right panel. As soon as you click this button, Windows 10 will turn off Device Encryption and automatically decrypt all encrypted drives. The decryption process will take some time to complete. You can use the system normally while this is happening.

5. Device Encryption is now disabled and the lock icon is removed from the drive. From now on, you will no longer see the lock icon on drives in Windows 10.

Why is there a lock icon on the drive and how to remove it?
The lock icon is removed from the drive.

Note : If you are using BitLocker, you must disable BitLocker to remove the lock icon.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga can provide many health benefits, including better sleep. Because yoga can be relaxing and restorative, its a great way to beat insomnia after a busy day.

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

The flower of the other shore is a unique flower, carrying many unique meanings. So what is the flower of the other shore, is the flower of the other shore real, what is the meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore?

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.

How to get beautiful nails quickly

How to get beautiful nails quickly

You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.

The best laptops for students in 2025

The best laptops for students in 2025

Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.

Ways to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus

Ways to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus

Birth defects are something no one wants. Although they cannot be completely prevented, you can take the following steps to reduce the risk of birth defects in your baby.

How to check RAM and check RAM errors on your computer with the highest accuracy rate

How to check RAM and check RAM errors on your computer with the highest accuracy rate

As you know, RAM is a very important hardware part in a computer, acting as memory to process data and is the factor that determines the speed of a laptop or PC. In the article below, WebTech360 will introduce you to some ways to check for RAM errors using software on Windows.

Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers

Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers

The automatic home coffee maker is a modern and professional product, bringing you and your family delicious cups of coffee with just a few quick steps.

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

If you want to go back to stable iOS 16 on your phone, here is the basic guide to uninstall iOS 17 and downgrade from iOS 17 to 16.