Bitlocker Recovery

A BitLocker recovery key is a 48-digit number used to unlock an encrypted drive when Windows cannot unlock it automatically.

To recover it:

1. On the BitLocker recovery screen, note the first 8 digits of the recovery key ID.
2. Check whether the key is stored in a Microsoft account:
   • From another device, go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey
   • Sign in with the Microsoft account used on the PC
   • Match the key ID and use the corresponding recovery key
3. If the PC was ever connected to a work or school account, the key might be stored there:
   • Go to https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey
   • Sign in with the work or school account
   • Open Devices and select View BitLocker Keys
4. Check for a printed copy of the recovery key.
5. Check a USB flash drive if the key was saved there as a file.

Important facts:

• Microsoft Support cannot retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key.
• If the device was set up by someone else, the key might be in that person’s Microsoft account.
• If the recovery key cannot be found, access to the encrypted data is not possible.
• The remaining option is to reset the device using Windows recovery options, which removes all files.

References:

• Find your BitLocker recovery key