Is It Possible to Read a BitLocker-protected Drive on Mac?
By default, macOS does not natively support reading or writing to BitLocker-encrypted drives (common on Windows). While Apple’s FileVault encrypts Mac drives similarly, Windows-formatted BitLocker drives require third-party software for access on a Mac.
Solutions for Accessing BitLocker Drives on Mac
One reliable option is iBoysoft BitLocker for Mac, which provides seamless read-and-write access to BitLocker-encrypted drives without needing Windows. It supports APFS, HFS+, and exFAT/NTFS-formatted BitLocker drives and retains full encryption security during transfers.
Alternative Methods (With Limitations)
Parallels Desktop/Virtual Machine: Runs Windows on Mac to unlock BitLocker (requires Windows license).
HFSExplorer (Read-Only): Free but limited to viewing files, no editing.
Manual Decryption (Complex): Exporting BitLocker keys from Windows and using Terminal commands (not user-friendly).
iBoysoft BitLocker for Mac offers a native Mac experience—just plug in the drive, enter the password/recovery key, and access files instantly. It’s optimized for M1/M2 Macs and doesn’t require Windows dependencies. For frequent cross-platform users, it’s a worthwhile solution.