If you are trying to install Bazzite over a Windows installation, you will probably get the “device is active” error when attempting to delete the Windows partition during setup. This usually happens when the Windows partition is protected with BitLocker encryption. Thankfully solving this problem is easy, though a little time consuming so follow along as this guide explains how to remove the BitLocker partition so the Bazzite installer can finish properly.

Takeaways:

  1. Learn how to fix Device is Active error when trying to install Bazzite.
  2. Can't install Bazzite because of Windows Bitlocker on Drive.

Why This Error Happens When Install Bazzite?

When Windows is installed with BitLocker enabled, the system partition is encrypted. During installation, the Bazzite installer may detect the partition but cannot delete or modify it, resulting in the “device is active” error. To fix this, the partition must be removed using a live Linux environment that includes a partition manager.

How to How to Fix “Device is Active” Error When Replacing Windows with Bazzite

How to Get Past the “Device is Active” Error When Replacing Windows with Bazzite

  • Boot from your Bazzite installation USB.
  • Begin the installation process.
  • Go to Installation Destination.
  • Choose Free up space by removing or shrinking existing partitions.
  • Click Done.

You may see that the Windows partition is labeled BitLocker. If you try to delete it, the installer may display the “device is active” error.

How to How to Fix “Device is Active” Error Bazzite

Since Bazzite does not include a live mode for partition management, you will need to boot another Linux distribution.

A good option is Linux Mint.

  • Create a bootable Linux Mint USB.
  • Boot into Linux Mint Live Mode.
  • Once Linux Mint has started:
  • Open the application menu.
  • Launch GParted (the partition editor).

GParted can remove BitLocker partitions without triggering the error seen in the Bazzite installer.

Inside GParted do the following:

  • Locate the BitLocker Windows partition.
  • Right-click the partition.
  • Select Delete.

How to How to Fix Device is Active Error Bazzite

Note: If you plan to fully replace Windows, you can also delete the other Windows-related partitions so the disk becomes completely empty.

After selecting the partitions to remove:

  • Click Apply in GParted.
  • Confirm the operation.

This process usually completes quickly. Once finished, the disk should show unallocated space.

Fix “Device is Active” Error Bazzite

Now you Can Install Bazzite

Reboot back into the Bazzite installer.

  • Open Installation Destination again.
  • Select the disk where the partitions were removed.
  • Click Done.

bazzite device is active error fix

Since the disk is now empty, the installer will automatically create the necessary partitions.

Before installation begins:

  • Create your user account.
  • Choose your username and password.
  • Then click Begin Installation.

After the installation completes, reboot into your new Bazzite system.