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HP updated BIOS which turned on BitLocker and locked and encrypted my drive. I never set up BitLocker so I don't have the key or a password. It is not saved in my Microsoft account since I never set it up. BestBuy set up my laptop and transferred files from my old computer last November but they don't have the key. They claim the manufacturers are turning it on when they're shipped. HP states they don't have the key. HP has also stated it's a known problem with HP Envy laptops but they don't have a fix or workaround. Microsoft wasn't any help either. They claimed HP should have the code and of course they state they don't. So far the only advice I've gotten is I'll have to reload a fresh Windows 10 and will lose all my data files, which I'm trying to avoid. I've looked in the registry editor and there are things there for BitLocker. I didn't want to make any changes w/o knowing what they might do but on the other hand it's a doorstop now so I'm not sure how I could make it worse. Anyone have any ideas how to get around this?
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
This suggestion is only applicable if you actually created a Bitlocker recovery key. Many people did not do this. Hard drives from HP and Dell have Bitlocker activated by default if you choose to use the Microsoft account as the log in instead of creating a local account.
Good day!
When I shut down my HP Envy laptop today, it automatically did a BIOS update. After that, I also encountered the Bitlocker issue. It was asking for recovery keys that I thought I do not have.
I followed the specified instructions. I went to aka.ms/myrecoverykey. After logging in to Microsoft account, there's no Bitlocker recovery keys in there. I've read most of the comments here and I was in the brink of resetting my laptop even if I'd lose my data. Then, I tried to log in again to Microsoft account but this time I used my another email. Fortunately, I have Bitlocker recovery keys in there. There are actually 2 recovery keys but I used the one corresponding to the recovery ID indicated in the instructions. And yay, I was able to log in to my PC again! I was only successful on my third try because I did not enter 0 using F10 key (the instructions are in Japanese).
Suggestion:
Try logging in to your Microsoft account using all the email addresses you are using or you have used. It might turn out that the recovery keys are in one of those addresses.
Thank you for all the help from this discussion! Arigatou gozaimasu! :)
I hope you can fix your PCs too.
If you ever used the locked laptop for your work or school, try the link with your work or school email even you never created a Microsoft account with the email. https://myaccount.microsoft.com/
It worked for my HP. Hope it helps!
I haven't been able to get any warranty support. I have my useless computer in front of me as a reminder. It just sits, like I waiting for something to pop on this forum that provides a solution, frozen waiting for the cure. I made my Windows thumb drive, but haven't tried it out yet,. Again, holding out for something to break. For now, I'll use it to hold down papers so the ceiling fan doesnt blow them around. I use my old one for the time being. Ordered a new computer online. I contacted Secure Data Recovery, gave them my story, here's their response:
*Hello Jesse,I wanted to follow up and make sure you received our previous communication regarding your original and second request on our website.****Unfortunately in your case recovery is not possible by any means due to the security features built into your device. The file system is protected through encryption and does not allow for recovery of any data without the key. If your Microsoft Live account does not list the Bitlocker key, and you were unable to get any support from Microsoft, unfortunately there is nothing that can be done via commercial recovery attempts.***Please be aware of unscrupulous companies which offer hope for a fee. Make sure you don't pay anything for diagnostics as those should be provided at no charge.We appreciate your interest in our services. Keep us in mind should data loss happen to you in the future. Best regards,
Good news! A Tech Service guy at my local Best Buy (where I bought my HPEnvy) was somehow able to get me a recovery key!! I'm soooooo happy!! Now I have it in case this happens in the future as well. My suggestion is try them, hope you have success too.
