How to Turn Off FileVault

Last modified: Sep 9, 2018 3:09 PM
0 325 Last modified Sep 9, 2018 3:09 PM

If you've accidentally (like I did) or intentionally activate FileValult on your boot drive and want to remove it here is what you need to know:


1 - first if you've accidentally turned on FileVault have patience, lots of patience. It can take the better part of a day or more to encrypt the drive. All you can do is wait. For my 200 GB of data on my SSD boot drive it took around 8-9 hours to complete. For a rotational drive much longer as well as longer for more data on the drive.


You can continue using the Mac while the encryption is going on. I just didn't shut down but left it on until it completed even if I wan't using the iMac.


2 - once the encryption is complete go back to the System/Security and Privacy/FileVault preference pane, click on the padlock to unlock the pane and click on the Turn off FileVault button.

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I left the decryption go on overnight so don't know how long it actually took.


These instructions are based on this Apple Document; .macOS Sierra- Turn off FileVault encryption.


This user tip was generated from the following discussion: How to Turn Off FileVault

(Thanks to Kappy for his contribution)


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