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TrueCrypt 5.x

for Windows

Removing Encryption

This document discusses what to do when you no longer need to store data in an encrypted file (container) or device.

Return to topRemoving Encryption from a File Container

When you no longer have use for an encrypted volume container, it is a matter of relocating any files stored on the volume and then deleting the volume as you would any other unneeded file.

  1. Mount the TrueCrypt volume

  2. Navigate to the volume you will be removing encryption from

  3. Move all files currently residing in the TrueCrypt volume to a desired location outside the volume
    NOTE: As files are moved out of the volume, they are decrypted.

  4. Dismount the volume

  5. Delete the TrueCrypt volume

Return to topRemoving Encryption from a Device

Removing encryption from a device requires reformatting the device. You need administrative access to do this. Therefore, when you want to remove the encryption from a device, such as a USB drive, do so from a personally owned computer. Removing encryption is a two step process: First you relocate the files contained on the volume and then you reformat the device.

Relocating the Files

  1. Connect the device to your computer

  2. Mount the TrueCrypt volume

  3. Move all files currently residing in the TrueCrypt volume to an appropriate location outside the volume
    NOTE: As files are moved out of the volume, they are decrypted.

  4. Dismount the volume

  5. Close TrueCrypt

  6. Continue with Reformatting the Device (Windows | Macintosh)

Reformatting the Device

Windows:

  1. From your Desktop, right click MY COMPUTER » select Manage
    The Computer Management window appears.
    Computer Management window

  2. From the navigation list on the left, under Storage, select Disk Management
    The available partitions appear in the Content pane.
    List of partitions

  3. Right click the partition you want to remove encryption from » select Change Drive Letter and Paths...
    HINT: Right click the letter.
    The Change Drive Letter and Path for [partition] window appears.
    Change Drive Letter and Paths window

  4. Click CANCEL
    You are returned to the Computer Management window.

  5. Right click the partition you want to remove encryption from again » select Format...
    The Format [partition] window appears.
    Format window

  6. Click OK
    A Warning dialog box appears.

  7. Click OK
    When the partition has been formatted, the Status pane displays NEW VOLUME.
    The partition can now be used without mounting it in TrueCrypt.
    Status pane

  8. Close the Computer Management window

Macintosh:

  1. Double click MACINTOSH HD » APPLICATIONS » UTILITIES
    OR
    From the Go menu, select Utilities

  2. Double click DISK UTILITY
    The Disk Utility window appears.

  3. On the left side of the window, select the device

  4. Select the Erase tab

  5. From the Volume Format pull-down list, select the desired option
    NOTES:
    To format the device for use on Macintosh only, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
    To format the device for use on Windows or Macintosh, select MS-DOS File System

  6. In the Name text box, type a name for the device

  7. Click ERASE
    A confirmation dialog box appears.

  8. Click ERASE
    NOTES:
    A progress bar appears in the lower right of the window.
    When the erasure is complete, an icon for the device appears on the Desktop.

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