This article will outline how to upgrade the BIOS of a computer system that is currently encrypted with BitLocker.

1. Download the appropriate BIOS update from the manufacturer’s website.

   Dell:  http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Products/?app=drivers

   Lenovo:  https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht003029

2. On the encrypted system, open the control panel and click on System and Security.

   

3. Click BitLocker Drive Encryption.

   

4. Click Suspend Protection.

   

5. In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window click Yes.

   

6. You will now see that BitLocker is suspended.

   

7. Run the BIOS update according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The system should restart and update the BIOS.NOTE:  Do not reboot or power down the system during this process.

   

8. Once the BIOS upgrade is complete, check the BitLocker Drive Encryption applet (steps 2 & 3) in the control panel for the encryption status of the drive.Since most BIOS upgrades require a restart, and a restart will usually cause windows to resume encryption on the drive, the drive may show that BitLocker is on.If that is the case you are done!If it is still suspended click Resume Protection.