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Failed to Open BitLocker Control Panel Tool [Fix 0x80004005]
BitLocker is not available in the Windows 11 Home edition
6 min. read
Updated onMarch 20, 2024
updated onMarch 20, 2024
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BitLocker is a feature in Windows that allows users to encrypt the data stored on the drive and helps ensure privacy and safety against intrusion.
But many users have reported encountering theFailed to open BitLocker Control Panel toolerror message in Windows 11.
This message is often followed by an error code,0x80004005, which may help identify the underlying cause and easily troubleshoot the error. Though, that’s not always the case.
Therefore, we have decided to dedicate this article to list out the reasons for theFailed to open BitLocker control panel toolerror in Windows 11 and the most effective fixes for it.
Why do I see Failed to open BitLocker Control Panel tool error in Windows 11?
Whenever trying to identify the underlying cause, always understand that it can be completely different for various users. So, if a method has worked for one user, there’s no surety that it would work for you as well.
But, with a proper understanding of each, you are more likely to identify and eliminate it.
TheFailed to open BitLocker control panel toolerror in Windows 11 can be caused by a bunch of reasons, but in most cases, the installed edition of Windows 11 does not offer the BitLocker feature.
If you are certain that the feature is available, it most likely has to do with critical services not running or corrupt system files.
Other than that, a bug in the installed version of Windows is also likely to lead to BitLocker not showing in Control Panel in Windows 10/11.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the issues that cause theFailed to open BitLocker control panel toolerror in Windows 11, let’s head to the solutions. Follow them in the listed sequence for quick and effective troubleshooting.
How do I fix the Failed to open BitLocker Control Panel tool error in Windows 11?
1. Check if BitLocker is available on the installed edition of Windows 11
In most cases, users who encountered theFailed to open BitLocker control panel toolerror in Windows 11 were found to be running theHome editionwhich does not support BitLocker. It’s supported on the Pro edition of Windows 11.
So, if you are running the Home edition, it’s time you make the upgrade to access features that are exclusive to the Pro edition.
However, certain devices (2-1 laptops and tablets) running the Windows 11 Home edition support Device Encryption, a feature similar to BitLocker.
2. Perform the DISM and SFC scans
If you are encountering theFailed to open BitLocker control panel toolerror in Windows 11 due to corrupt system files, running the DISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)and SFC(System File Checker)scan could fix the error.
Or you could use athird-party repair toolthat will automatically identify and eliminate most of the errors.
An automatic repair tool simplifies the process of protecting your computer from malware and improves its health to perform maximally at all times.
3. Run the Bitlocker Device Encryption Service
As mentioned earlier, if the critical services are not running on your device, you might face theFailed to open BitLocker control panel toolerror in Windows 11.
So, just make sure to run it, and restart the computer for the changes to fully come into effect.
4. Make changes to the Local Group Policy Editor
5. Perform a system restore
If nothing else has worked, you are left with no option but to perform a system restore. It’s probably the easiest way to eliminate even the most intricate of issues.
But remember that you might end up losing applications and configured settings, though the personal files won’t be affected.
The idea behind a system restore is to take your computer back in time to a point when the error didn’t exist. To achieve that, you will have to select a restore point created before you first encountered the problem.
Also, if the process doesn’t go as planned, or you don’t achieve the desired results, there’s always the option toundo a system restore in Windows 11.
These are all the ways you fix theFailed to open BitLocker control panel toolerror in Windows 11, be able to access BitLocker again and make the desired changes.
Also, find out how todisable BitLocker in Windows 11. Besides, if you areencountering an error with BitLocker, the fixes are rather simple, and you can have it up and running in no time.
Tell us which fix worked and your experience with BitLocker, in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Bitlocker,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
