Can't turn off FileVault

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Level 1

28 points

Can't turn off FileVault

I tried to upgrade from Mojave to Big Sur on my MacBook Pro, but apparently I can't do that because my disk is password-protected ("You may not install to this volume because it has a disk password"). I tried to turn off FileVault, but nothing happens when I click the "Turn Off FileVault…" button. There is a message further down the window that says "Some users are not able to unlock the disk Main Disk." with a button that says "Enable Users …" - nothing happens when I click that button. I am the only user on the MacBook, with Admin privileges. Any suggestions? Thanks.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Feb 3, 2021 4:28 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,103 points

Feb 4, 2021 4:19 AM in response to greguva

Two articles worth having a look at and apply were one sees fit. Both seem to suggest delating the Volume that is encrypted. Before attempting either below - have a Time Machine Backup done beforehand.

https://www.macworld.com/article/3175691/what-you-can-do-if-you-forget-your-password-on-a-filevault-protected-mac.html

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/deployment-reference-macos/apd47eb76103/web

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

102,103 points

Feb 3, 2021 7:32 AM in response to greguva

Have to Ask - if there a Firmware Password enabled ? This would involved booting in the Recovery Mode and Removing it with the Required Password used to enable Firmware password.

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Answer 3

greguva Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 4, 2021 5:04 AM in response to Owl-53

That's what I ended up doing - erased my hard drive, then restored from a Time Machine backup. Would have been nice to know why there was a problem and what to do about it, but oh well. Thanks very much for looking into it!

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Answer 4

greguva Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 3, 2021 11:51 AM in response to Owl-53

I had thought of that, and turned off the firmware password. Thanks.

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Answer 5

Owl-53

Level 10

102,103 points

Feb 3, 2021 1:21 PM in response to greguva

Has one attempted to turn off FileVault since the Firmware was removed ?

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Answer 6

greguva Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 3, 2021 1:58 PM in response to Owl-53

Yes - no go.

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Answer 7

Owl-53

Level 10

102,103 points

Feb 3, 2021 2:11 PM in response to greguva

Will search around tomorrow AM and see if can find a solution. If something does come up from others with more experience - do take it. It may solve the issue sooner

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Answer 8

Owl-53

Level 10

102,103 points

Feb 4, 2021 7:41 AM in response to greguva

Welcome and pleased it worked out. Thank you for marking as solved.

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Can't turn off FileVault

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