Can computer be shut down during encryption / decryption process for MDE or MNE

[Vinay555]

Hi Team,

Good Day!

Can we shutdown the Windows 10/7 PC during Process of Encryption or Decryption? will it be resumed once the power came back?( i believe it will be resumed, but need to clarify it).
we are using McAfee Drive Encryption 7.2.X and Native Encryption (Bitlocker) 5.0.1.X

Thanks,

Vinay.

[c-ross · Accepted solution]

Generally speaking, the answer should be a "yes" to this question assuming that we are talking about normal, proper shutdowns.  Of course, things like pulling power cords, batteries, other "hard" shutdowns, etc. could pose problems with and without any encryption involved so we definitely want to stay away from situations like that. 

With MNE, the actual encryption is done by Bitlocker so there should be consideration for the Bitlocker information on that but based on Microsoft documents like https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-deploym.... it should be fine overall.  

As always though, it is recommended that systems' data be backed up at regular intervals and before any significant change and the full encryption of the drive should be considered as such so I recommend that data be backed up first regardless of whether a shutdown/restart is planned or expected during the encryption process.