Have you tried activating the BitLocker Drive Encryption service (BDESVC) , but it won't work? You could be having some bdesvc.dll missing errors. Don't worry; you can fix it quickly.

Our guide will help you learn about the BDESVC and types of bdesvc.dll missing errors. Moreover, we'll cover the function of bdesvc.dll on Windows 10, the causes of the error, and the methods to eliminate it. Let's get to it.

In this article
    1. Method 1: Download the Missing bdesvc.dll File
    2. Method 2: Use System Restore
    3. Method 3: Use the System File Checker
    4. Method 4: Recover Files With Wondershare Recoverit
    5. Method 5: Update Your Windows
    6. Method 6: Update Drivers
    7. Method 7: Scan Your Windows to Delete Malware (Windows Defender)

What Are bdesvc.dll Files?

If you want BitLocker Drive Encryption to work on your computer, you need its executable file to run the process. That file is called the bdesvc.dll file. It's on your computer's hard drive and activates when you enable BitLocker Drive Encryption on your computer.

The Function of bdesvc.dll Files in Windows 10

All .dll files activate when a particular program needs them. Thus, the function of bdesvc.dll is to run when you need to use the BitLocker Drive Encryption service.

It's in your computer's RAM (Random Access Memory), and the commands on it will execute when you activate BitLocker. However, if it's wrongly installed or missing, it can stop the software from functioning.

Types of bdesvc.dll Missing Errors

The Windows system runs on different software programs, which can't work without the essential DLL files. Thus, BitLocker can't work without the bdesvc.dll file. Its absence can cause various errors.

The most common error is “bdesvc.dll is missing from this computer.” This message appears when your bdesvc.dll file is missing or corrupted.

Another is the BitLocker Initialization error. If your bdesvc.dll is missing, you can't initialize BitLocker.

Failed BitLocker Service is another type of bdesvc.dll missing error. If your bdesvc.dll file is missing, you can't access your encrypted drives, which may lead to data loss. A missing bdesvc.dll file can also cause the Blue Screen of Death and crash your system.

Numerous other types of bdesvc.dll missing errors exist, such as:

  • “Bdesvc.dll is missing.”
  • “Bdesvc.dll was not found.”
  • “Bdesvc.dll error loading.”
  • “Bdesvc.dll could not be located.”
  • “Cannot find bdesvc.dll.”

Causes of bdesvc.dll Missing Errors

bitlocker not working

Your bdesvc.dll file could be missing for various reasons. Because of that, you can encounter the bdesvc.dll missing errors and system malfunctions.

The causes of bdesvc.dll missing errors can include:

  • 😦Accidental deletion
  • 📁File misplacement
  • 👾A corrupted bdesvc.dll file due to malicious software
  • 🐌Outdated drivers
  • 💼Outdated operating system

Different Methods for Fixing bdesvc.dll Missing Errors

Since there are various reasons for the bdesvc.dll missing errors, you can fix them in several ways. Check out the seven proven methods to eliminate the bdesvc.dll missing error with step-by-step instructions.

Method 1: Download the Missing bdesvc.dll File

Although the bdesvc.dll file automatically comes with the BitLocker installer, it can go missing. Thus, you can download it and fix the error that way. It's essential to visit the official website and download the proper version, depending on your computer's specifications.

Then, follow these steps to install the new bdesvc.dll file manually:

  1. Try running BitLocker.
  2. If it still shows the “bdesvc.dll file is missing from this computer” error, go to the Downloads folder.
    go to downloads folder
  3. Copy the bdesvc.dll file and paste it into the BitLocker installation directory.
    bdesvc file location
  4. Reboot your computer.

Method 2: Use System Restore

If the reason behind the error message is the corrupted bdesvc.dll file, you can use System Restore to fix it. System Restore allows you to load a Windows version to the date when your bdesvc.dll file wasn't corrupted and fix the error.

Follow these steps to use System Repair to fix the bdesvc.dll missing error:

  1. Press the Windows key and R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type rstrui and press Enter.
    search for rstrui
  3. That will open the System Repair window. Click Choose a different restore point and hit Next.
    choose a different restore point
  4. Select the date of a previous Windows version you wish to restore and click Next.
  5. Click Finish and wait for your computer to reboot.

Method 3: Use the System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that scans your system files and locates and fixes errors. It's a free, built-in utility that can help you eliminate the bdesvc.dll missing error. It requires the Command Prompt, so follow these steps carefully:

  1. Find CMD in the search bar, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
    open the command prompt
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
    the sfc scannow command
  3. Wait for the SFC to scan your system files and repair the errors. When it finishes, restart your computer.

Method 4: Recover Files With Wondershare Recoverit

Another way to fix a missing file error is to use a data recovery tool. Use reliable software like Wondershare Recoverit to recover your missing bdesvc.dll file.

Your bdesvc.dll file could be uninstalled as a shared file of another program or missing due to accidental deletion or malware infection. Fortunately, Wondershare Recoverit can help you with all that.

Besides going missing, your bdesvc.dll file could get corrupted due to a power outage while loading, a system crash, or bad sectors on your hard drive, all of which Wondershare Recoverit can fix.

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Thus, follow these steps to use Wondershare Recoverit to recover the bdesvc.dll file:

  1. Install and launch Wondershare Recoverit on your PC.
  2. Click Hard Drives and Locations. Select the hard disk your file went missing from and click Start.
    start data recovery in wondershare recoverit
  3. That will start an all-around scan of your hard disk. Monitor the process at the bottom of the screen.
    monitor the scanning process
  4. Preview the retrieved files once the process is complete. Click Recover.
    preview the retrieved files
  5. Save the recovered bdesvc.dll file to a safe location.
    save the bdesvc file to different location

Method 5: Update Your Windows

Your bdesvc.dll file would go missing if your Windows needs an update. Keeping your Windows OS up to date can solve numerous other problems and bugs.

Follow these steps to update your Windows and fix the bdesvc.dll missing error:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Updates & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
    check for windows updates
  4. If a new update is available, click Download and install.
    download and install an update

Method 6: Update Drivers

Another common reason for the bdesvc.dll missing error is the outdated drivers. Regularly updating them can help you avoid problems and malfunctions.

Follow these steps to update your drivers:

  1. Search for Device Manager and open it.
    open device manager
  2. Right-click the device driver that needs an update and select Update driver.
    the update driver option
  3. Click Search automatically for updated driver software.
    search automatically for updated driver software

Method 7: Scan Your Windows to Delete Malware (Windows Defender)

Your bdesvc.dll file could go missing or suffer corruption due to a malware infection on your computer. Thus, you must remove the malware and viruses to recover your missing bdesvc.dll file.

Follow these steps to scan your Windows for malware in Windows Defender:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Security.
    open windows security
  3. Click the radio button next to the Windows Defender Offline scan and click Scan now.
    run windows defender
  4. That will automatically reboot your computer and search for viruses and malware. Once the process is complete, you'll see the scan report in Notifications.

Conclusion

If you keep seeing the bdesvc.dll error on your computer, this file is corrupted or missing. A missing bdesvc.dll file means you can't use BitLocker and may experience system crashes. The common causes of bdesvc.dll missing errors include accidental deletion, file misplacement, malware infection, or outdated drivers and OS.

Fortunately, you can fix this problem by downloading the bdesvc.dll file, using System Restore, leveraging the File System Checker, updating Windows and your drivers, or scanning your Windows with Windows Defender. On the other hand, you can recover the missing file with Wondershare Recoverit.

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FAQ

  • What causes DLL file corruption?
    There are numerous reasons for DLL corruption. DLL files can get corrupted due to malicious software, faulty apps, corrupt system files, outdated drivers, etc.
  • What is the easiest way to fix the bdesvc.dll missing error?
    If your bdesvc.dll file is missing, the easiest way to recover it is to use Wondershare Recoverit to recover files. Wondershare Recoverit uses advanced technology to recover lost files in just a few clicks. In addition, you can also try to download the missing bdesvc.dll file by visiting the official website.
  • What happens if the bdesvc.dll file goes missing?
    The bdesvc.dll file is necessary for BitLocker to function correctly. If it's missing, your BitLocker service won't work. Moreover, many other programs will also malfunction since programs share DLL files. If bdesvc.dll is missing, many programs can stop working to a certain extent or completely.
Alex Nappi
Alex Nappi Apr 15, 24
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