Veeam Backup & BitLocker

[ataro]

I have Windows setup with BitLocker for drive encryption. Is there any limitations when I perform the image restore with BitLocker turned on?

I am new to Veeam but have tested the same on another backup software. It's behavior is that, after image restore, the encryption settings will disappear, we need to enable it again after the image restore. I hope same hold good for Veeam backup.

[david.domask]

Hi ataro, welcome to the forums.

Depending on how you're performing the restore, there will be a few considerations for how the Bitlocker encryption is handled. Check our User Guide page here for the explanation on how to work with Bitlocker and Veeam Agent for Windows backup and restore operations.

Thanks!

[ataro]

I have just tried Veeam B&R version 12.1.2.172 and tried the following combination tests for image restore.
1) Took the backup without BitLocker enabled.
2) Enabled BitLocker on all fixed HDD, took backup, successful.
3) Restored the image taken in step-2, successful, after restore BitLocker is enabled automatically on all hard disks. No manual intervention was needed.
4) Tried to restore image backup from step-1 (non encrypted backup source) on BitLocker encrypted drives, a warning popup displayed stating that volumes are encrypted, proceeded with restore, successful but BitLocker is removed.
5) Tried to restore image backup from step-1 (non encrypted backup source) on BitLocker encrypted drives, a warning popup displayed stating that volumes are encrypted, unlocked the C drive, there is one more drive which is also assigned drive letter C, could not unlock this, proceeded with restore, restore is successful but BitLocker is removed.

Is there any change in the recent version of the software? The above conditions are acceptable for me.

[david.domask]

HI ataro,

Maybe I misunderstand your post, but as I see it all is working as per the User Guide page? Note the instructions about backup and restore and state of Bitlocker on the volumes, and the outcomes from the User Guide.

Your last line tells that all works as you're hoping and it's good or there are further questions?

[ataro]

Overall OK but I am not satisfied with 5)
During restore, a warning popup displayed stating that volumes are encrypted, I was able to unlock both drives under disk mapping and restoration was successful. After restore, drives are un-encrypted. Is it normal? Can I restore, unencrypted image backup on an encrypted volume with BL retention?

[david.domask]

Please check the User Guide link as before: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/agent ... ta-restore

> If you restore an unencrypted volume to an encrypted volume, the restored volume will be unencrypted.

So expected behavior at this time.

[ataro]

Thank you, so in my case both 4) & 5) produce the same results. In 5) unlock has no impact at all. Please advise whether it's a cosmetic warning.

4) Tried to restore image backup from step-1 (non encrypted backup source) on BitLocker encrypted drives, a warning popup displayed stating that volumes are encrypted, proceeded with restore, successful but BitLocker is removed.
5) Tried to restore image backup from step-1 (non encrypted backup source) on BitLocker encrypted drives, a warning popup displayed stating that volumes are encrypted, unlocked the C, D drive, proceeded with restore, restore is successful but BitLocker is removed.