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Easily Read BitLocker-Protected Files on Mac: The Best Tool for the Job

Charlotte Bayley
Charlotte Bayley

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BitLocker is a popular encryption feature built into certain versions of Windows, designed to secure data by encrypting entire drives. This robust security measure is particularly valuable for protecting sensitive information, especially on laptops and portable drives that may be lost or stolen. However, if you're using a Mac and encounter a BitLocker-encrypted drive, you might find yourself in a frustrating situation. Why? Because macOS does not natively support BitLocker, meaning your Mac can't open these encrypted files by default.

Bitlocker Drive Can't Be Read on Mac

Why Can’t You Open BitLocker Files on a Mac

The reason lies in the different file systems and encryption methods used by Windows and macOS. BitLocker is a Windows-based encryption tool, and macOS lacks built-in functionality to read or decrypt BitLocker-protected drives. This can be a significant hurdle, especially if you need urgent access to your encrypted files on a Mac. Fortunately, there are methods to overcome this compatibility issue. Follow this post and check it out!

Why Can’t You Open BitLocker Files on a Mac

Method 1: Use a Virtual Machine to Open BitLocker Files

One way to access BitLocker-protected files on a Mac is by setting up a virtual machine (VM) that runs Windows. Tools like Parallels Desktop or UTM allow you to install a Windows environment on your Mac. You can also follow our previous post to find out How to Install a Windows 11/Mac Dual Boot System on Mac Once set up, you can connect your BitLocker-encrypted drive to the VM, enter the required password or recovery key, and access your files as if you were using a Windows PC.

Open Bitlocker Drive on Windows 11

If you do not have install a Windows virtual machine before, this method is quite cumbersome. It requires setting up a Windows installation, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Additionally, it may not be the most convenient solution for those who only occasionally need to access BitLocker files. This brings us to a more straightforward alternative.

Method 2: Use iSumsoft BitLocker Reader for Mac

For a faster, more user-friendly approach, consider using iSumsoft BitLocker Reader for Mac. This dedicated software is specifically designed to allow Mac users to easily unlock and read BitLocker-encrypted drives. Unlike the virtual machine method, this tool is quick to set up and doesn’t require you to install a full Windows environment.

iSumsoft BitLocker Reader for Mac

iSumsoft BitLocker Reader

BitLocker for Mac

  • Support external hard drive, USB flash drive, memory card, memory stick, SD card, CF card, and other removable storage devices.
  • Let you use your password or recovery key file to unlock BitLocker-encrypted drive on Mac
  • Let you open, read, write, edit, copy, and delete files in the BitLocker-encrypted drive.
  • Help you mount and read .dmg files on Mac
  • Allow you to transfer files between BitLocker-encrypted drive and Mac computer.

Simply download and install the iSumsoft BitLocker Reader for Mac, connect your BitLocker-encrypted drive, and enter your password or recovery key. Within moments, your encrypted files will be accessible on your Mac, just as they would be on a Windows PC. This method is not only quicker but also more secure, as the software is specifically built to handle BitLocker encryption, ensuring your data remains protected throughout the process. You can also click here for a more detail guide and video turtioal.

Conclusion

While it's possible to use a virtual machine to access BitLocker-protected files on a Mac, this method can be overly complicated and resource-heavy. For most users, iSumsoft BitLocker Reader for Mac offers a much more straightforward and efficient solution. Its ease of use and security features make it the best tool for the job, allowing you to quickly and safely access your encrypted data on a Mac. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to read BitLocker files on macOS, I highly recommend giving iSumsoft BitLocker Reader a try.