Windows BitLocker policy shows “Encryption needed” instead of enabling silentlySolved

Participant
Discussion
2 weeks ago Aug 17, 2026

I’m testing BitLocker deployment for Windows devices through Hexnode UEM and expected encryption to start automatically without user action.

The BitLocker policy has OS and fixed drive encryption required, TPM startup enabled, startup PIN/key disabled, recovery options enabled, and recovery password escrow configured. The device has TPM present, ready, and enabled.

Instead of encrypting silently, Windows shows an “Encryption needed” notification. When the user clicks it, Windows opens Device Encryption Settings and asks the user to select “Turn on”. In some cases, it also asks the user to sign in with a Microsoft account.

What is the recommended Hexnode workflow to enable BitLocker without relying on the user to click “Turn on”? Should the BitLocker policy alone start encryption, or do I need to trigger something else from the device actions?

Replies (3)

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Hexnode Expert
2 weeks ago Aug 17, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hello @tomas ,

For Windows devices, if you want to actively start BitLocker encryption from Hexnode UEM, use the Force BitLocker encryption remote action after enforcing the BitLocker policy.

Recommended workflow:

  1. Configure and associate the BitLocker policy with the Windows device.
  2. Go to Manage and select the target Windows device.
  3. Open Actions.
  4. Navigate to Security > Force BitLocker encryption.
  5. Choose the required encryption option, such as encrypting the entire drive or only used space.
  6. Proceed with the action.

The BitLocker policy defines the required encryption configuration and recovery settings. The Force BitLocker encryption action initiates encryption on the selected device based on the supported BitLocker configuration.

Regards,
Simon Scott
Hexnode UEM

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Participant
2 weeks ago Aug 17, 2026
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After encryption is enabled, is there a way to hide or block the BitLocker section in Windows settings?

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Hexnode Expert
2 weeks ago Aug 17, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hexnode UEM does not currently provide a separate setting specifically to hide the BitLocker section from Windows Settings.

However, once the BitLocker policy is enforced, users should not be able to turn off BitLocker against the enforced policy requirement. The policy continues to require encryption for the device, while the Force BitLocker Encryption action is used to initiate encryption where needed.

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