BitLocker Drive Encryption Service - Windows 11 Service
BDESVC hosts the BitLocker Drive Encryption service. BitLocker Drive Encryption provides secure startup for the operating system, as well as full volume encryption for OS, fixed or removable volumes. This service allows BitLocker to prompt users for various actions related to their volumes when mounted, and unlocks volumes automatically without user interaction. Additionally, it stores recovery information to Active Directory, if available, and, if necessary, ensures the most recent recovery certificates are used. Stopping or disabling the service would prevent users from leveraging this functionality.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 7 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows 11 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 23H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 24H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | BitLocker Drive Encryption Service |
| Service name: | BDESVC |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\bdesvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | localSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The BitLocker Drive Encryption Service is running as localSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If BitLocker Drive Encryption Service fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the BDESVC service has failed to start.
Restore Default Startup Type for BitLocker Drive Encryption Service
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreBitLockerDriveEncryptionServiceWindows11.bat file to any folder on a local drive such as SSD or a hard disk.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Properties.
4. Check the Unblock checkbox and click OK.
5. Right-click the batch file again and select Run as administrator.
6. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the bdesvc.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.