BitLocker Decryption Stuck at 26.3% on Windows 11 — Error 0x803100d6 When Resuming

Zeeshan Ahmad 0 Reputation points
2026-10-15T18:23:30.2+00:00

Hello,

I am experiencing a persistent BitLocker issue on my Windows 11 laptop and would appreciate help resolving it without losing my data.

My C: drive has a capacity of 375.73 GB. BitLocker decryption has been stuck for a long time, and the current status is Decryption Paused at 26.3%.

Here is the output of manage-bde -status C::

  • BitLocker Version: 2.0

Conversion Status: Decryption Paused

Percentage Encrypted: 26.3%

Encryption Method: XTS-AES 128

Protection Status: Protection Off

Lock Status: Unlocked

Key Protectors: TPM and Numerical Password

When I run manage-bde -resume C:, I receive this error:

0x803100d6: Device encryption can't be turned off while this drive is being encrypted.

I also ran chkdsk C: /scan, which completed successfully and reported no file-system problems or bad sectors.

I previously paused decryption using manage-bde -pause C:, but I have not been able to resume it successfully. I need to increase the size of my C: partition by approximately 30 GB using available space from my D: partition, but I have not applied the pending partition changes because I am concerned about data loss and making Windows unbootable.

I have saved my BitLocker recovery key separately.

My questions are:

How can I safely diagnose and resume or repair the paused BitLocker decryption?

What causes error 0x803100d6 in this situation?

How can I safely extend my C: partition after resolving the BitLocker issue?

I would prefer a solution that preserves my files and Windows installation. Please let me know which diagnostic logs or commands would help identify the cause.

Thank you.Hello,

I am experiencing a persistent BitLocker issue on my Windows 11 laptop and would appreciate help resolving it without losing my data.

My C: drive has a capacity of 375.73 GB. BitLocker decryption has been stuck for a long time, and the current status is Decryption Paused at 26.3%.

Here is the output of manage-bde -status C::

BitLocker Version: 2.0

Conversion Status: Decryption Paused

Percentage Encrypted: 26.3%

Encryption Method: XTS-AES 128

Protection Status: Protection Off

Lock Status: Unlocked

Key Protectors: TPM and Numerical Password

When I run manage-bde -resume C:, I receive this error:

0x803100d6: Device encryption can't be turned off while this drive is being encrypted.

I also ran chkdsk C: /scan, which completed successfully and reported no file-system problems or bad sectors.

I previously paused decryption using manage-bde -pause C:, but I have not been able to resume it successfully. I need to increase the size of my C: partition by approximately 30 GB using available space from my D: partition, but I have not applied the pending partition changes because I am concerned about data loss and making Windows unbootable.

I have saved my BitLocker recovery key separately.

My questions are:

How can I safely diagnose and resume or repair the paused BitLocker decryption?

What causes error 0x803100d6 in this situation?

How can I safely extend my C: partition after resolving the BitLocker issue?

I would prefer a solution that preserves my files and Windows installation. Please let me know which diagnostic logs or commands would help identify the cause.

Thank you.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Recovery key
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  2. Ronald Sabiiti 1,505 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-15T18:44:59.7066667+00:00

    Hello @Zeeshan Ahmad

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

    Thank you for your patience, and taking the time to elaborate on your concerns.

    BitLocker decryption on drive C: is paused at 26.3%. The drive is unlocked, protection is off, and manage-bde -resume C: returns error 0x803100d6. A file-system scan completed successfully without detecting errors.

    Step-by-Step Troubleshooting.

    1. Protect Your Data

    Back up important files to a separate storage device.

    Verify that your BitLocker recovery key is accessible.

    Keep the laptop connected to reliable power.

    1. Collect BitLocker Diagnostics

    Open Terminal as Administrator and run:

    manage-bde -status C:

    Then run:

    Get-BitLockerVolume -MountPoint C: | Format-List *

    Record the conversion status, percentage, protection status, and key protectors.

    1. Review Event Logs.

    Press Windows + R, enter eventvwr.msc, and press Enter.

    Open Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → BitLocker-API, if available.

    Review errors around the time decryption paused.

    Save relevant event IDs and full error messages.

    1. Attempt Safe Recovery.

    Save your work and restart Windows normally.

    Check the BitLocker status again after startup.

    If decryption remains paused and manage-bde -resume C: continues to fail, obtain further diagnosis before attempting additional encryption changes.

    Avoid repeatedly toggling BitLocker, removing key protectors, or manually modifying disk metadata.

    1. Extend the C: Partition.

    After BitLocker reports Fully Decrypted:

    Back up important files on both C: and D:.

    Open Disk Management using diskmgmt.msc.

    Confirm C: and D: are on the same physical disk.

    Verify that approximately 30 GB of unallocated space can be placed immediately to the right of C:.

    If the space is adjacent, right-click C:, select Extend Volume, and follow the wizard.

    Shrinking D: usually creates unallocated space at the end of D:, which may not be adjacent to C:. If the space is not adjacent, Windows Disk Management cannot extend C: directly. Do not delete D: or move partitions without a verified backup and recovery plan.

    Recommended Resolution.

    Investigate the BitLocker conversion conflict first. Collect the volume status and relevant event logs before making changes. Once decryption completes, review the partition layout and extend C: only when the required unallocated space is adjacent.

    Relevant Microsoft Documentation.

    Manage-bde resume command

    Manage-bde command reference

    Extend a basic volume

    Disk Management in Windows

    Troubleshooting summary: Back up your data, diagnose the paused BitLocker conversion, and resolve the error before resizing partitions. Error 0x803100d6 alone does not establish the root cause.

    I hope this helps to better understand the diagnostic options available and the risks involved.

    If this information was helpful, please click Accept Answer.

    Thank you for choosing Microsoft Q&A.

    Was this answer helpful?

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