Summary: Windows BitLocker Encryption feature is an easy way to protect your personal photos, videos, and other data stored in SD card from theft or unauthorized access. But this built-in security feature doesn’t protect you from risk of accidental deletion, formatting, virus infection, or corruption in encrypted SD card. This post shares how you can recover lost/deleted photos and videos from an encrypted SD card recovery.
‘I stored my wedding photos and videos in a 64GB SanDisk SD card and encrypted it using Windows BitLocker. But I accidently formatted the SD card and lost all my photos and videos! Please help! How can I recover photos/videos files from an encrypted SD card?’
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If you know the BitLocker password for your encrypted SD card, you can easily recover data using the encrypted memory card recovery software—Stellar Photo Recovery—in cases such as:-
The software restores lost or deleted photos and videos from encrypted SD cards. It works on corrupt and formatted BitLocker-encrypted memory cards, SDXC, SDHC, USB flash drive, CF cards, HDD, SSD, etc.
You need to simply select encrypted SD card in the software window, click ‘Scan’ and enter your BitLocker password. Once you enter the password, the software begins the scanning and recovery process.
In case your encrypted memory card has bad sectors, create an image of the corrupt storage media with the help of Stellar Photo Recovery software. You can use this image to recover photos and videos anytime later. Further, the software can also restore audio recordings, podcasts and music files.
Don’t remember your BitLocker Password?
No problem. Access your encrypted SD card by using BitLocker Recovery Key.
Your Recovery Key is a 48-digit numerical password that was automatically generated when you had activated BitLocker encryption. This key can be used to unlock encrypted media or drive, in case you have forgotten your password.
Where can you find your BitLocker Recovery Key?
At the time of encryption, Windows asks you to back up your Recovery Key. BitLocker Recovery Key may be stored in your Microsoft account, in a file or in print, depending on the option you chose to back up the key during encryption process.
You can now access the encrypted SD card data. In case the desired photos and videos are missing from the storage card, use Stellar Photo Recovery software to restore lost and deleted media files.
Another workaround if you forget your password is to decrypt your SD card by using Windows Diskpart utility. Although the feature wipes all data from SD card but you can reuse the storage card as fresh.
Note: Decrypting SD card with Diskpart utility diminishes chances of data recovery by using software. But advanced tools like Stellar Photo Recovery may sometime restore your lost photos and videos from such decrypted SD cards as well.
You need a professional encrypted memory card recovery software that works in common data loss scenarios including accidental deletion, formatting, and corruption of encrypted drives. Use Stellar Photo Recovery software that supports all SD cards’ brands, class and capacities, used in DSLRs, mobile phones, dash cams, and other devices.
In case you have forgotten your encrypted drive’s password, first unlock the drive by using the Encryption Key recovery method mentioned above. Next, use encrypted SD card recovery software to restore lost or deleted photos and videos.
You may also download the free trial version to evaluate Stellar Photo Recovery software. Do share your query in the comment section below or contact our customer support via phone, email, or live chat.
Sumona is a tech blogger, avid photographer, & technogeek with vast experience in writing about media file recovery tips and tutorials. She has over 10 years of experience in media file recovery/media file repair technology. She is passionate about Photography, Creative Designing, Music, and Exploring lesser-known destinations.
Hi there, I can’t find a way to encrypt the SD card. I read that it might be possible to secure your device with password. Any pointers?
Hi Matthew, you can follow below steps to encrypt your SD card:
1. Plug-in your SD drive into PC. Click on “Open folder to view files”.
2. Select the desired file. Click on the manage tab and turn on BitLocker.
3. A popping up message will appear, you need to put the password twice to unlock the drive.
4. Select the option for saving the recovery key
5. Choose your current Microsoft account and click “Next”
6. Select one option from “Encrypt entire drive” or “encrypt used disk space only”
7. Check the compatible mode and click the “Next” tab
8. Click on “Start Encrypting”
Thanks!
I install the free version of your software, but it only shows the preview of recovered files but not save it. Then I purchase the Professional version of Stellar Photo Recovery software it’s rescued 90% of my deleted data from SD card. Thanks!
Hi Alley, Thanks for choosing our software and share your valuable feedback with us!