How to resolve BitLocker decryption progress bar is always stuck at 96%?

It doesn’t matter, what you need to do is wait for the completion as there is no error code show up yet.

The BitLocker decryption process may take some time, depending on the amount of data on the disk. But during the decryption process, you can still continue to use computer normally, ignoring some performance slowdowns.

Factors that caused this problem can be varies: corrupted system files, hardware or software conflict, insufficient disk space, BitLocker driver issues and so on. Accordingly, if after days of waiting, the problem still persists, you can try the following solutions:

Solution 1: Pause the Process and Resume It from Another Port

Click "Pause" button in the process dialog, then safely remove your external hard drive, connect it to another port or another computer’s ports.

Manage-bde to pause the BitLocker Encryption Process:

It aims to rule out the possibility of port failure. However, it’s important to note that you'd better not to unplug your external hard drive when the BitLocker stop decryption operation doesn’t finish. Wrong operation will lead to an irreversible error, cause great damage to your hard drive.

Solution 2: Run CHKDSK Utility (Check Disk) to Check Disk

Use CHKDSK to scan and fix disk errors that might be hindering the decryption process. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the command:

This command may cause BitLocker to completely lock your external disk, carefully choosing it.

Solution 3: Use Command Line or third-party software to disable BitLocker

Refer to use cmd to configure BitLocker on Windows system, learning how to manage BitLocker by command lines.

Besides, I strongly recommend iSunshare BitLocker Genius for Windows for you. This robust BitLocker decryption tool helps with managing BitLocker, and you can conveniently cancel BitLocker decryption through its user-friendly interface.

Additional Solutions

1. Reboot your system and check if the decryption process resumes and completes successfully.

2. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or security software running on your system. Sometimes, these programs can conflict with BitLocker and cause decryption issues.

3. Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. Run cmd.exe as an administrator and run the following command:

Conclusion

BitLocker stuck on unlocking can be very frustrating, but with the solutions above, you can resolve the issue and ensure the successful completion of the decryption process. Trying BitLocker Genius for Windows to regain access to your encrypted data without any interruptions.

Tips: iSunshare BitLocker Genius for Windows helps us better handle the BitLocker through straightforward graphical user interface.