Bitlocker recovery key

Ajitesh Saxena 0 Reputation points
2026-08-24T04:18:51.19+00:00

I didn't find my bitlocker key on my Microsoft account, it's showing no key is saved in the account

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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  1. Estrella721 45,810 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-24T04:53:50.6666667+00:00

    Hi,

    The only place you can find the BitLocker recovery key is in the Microsoft account that was used to set it up, whether it is a personal account or a work or school account.

    Personal Microsoft account:

    https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

    Work or school account:

    https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey

    If you did not set up BitLocker on your computer yourself, it is most likely that it was enabled by default by the manufacturer or by the person who initially set up your computer.

    Unfortunately, only the person who set up BitLocker can access the recovery key for security reasons. Even Microsoft Support does not have access to it.

    If you cannot find the recovery key, I’m sorry, but there is no way to bypass BitLocker. In this situation, formatting the hard drive and performing a clean installation of the Windows OS will be necessary. Please note that this process will result in data loss.

    Find an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB of space and a working computer, then follow the steps below:

    1. Click this link: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

    Under Create Windows 10 installation media, Click on "Download tool now."

    1. Run the tool, create a bootable USB drive or ISO file, and deselect the 'Use the recommended options for this PC' box to choose the correct language and edition.

    Once the process is done:

    1. Connect the installation media to your PC.
    2. Start your PC and press any key to continue. Click Next > Click Install Now.
    3. When the Windows Setup starts, follow the on-screen instructions.

    Note: If prompted for a product key, click 'I do not have a product key' and then click Next.

    Make sure you install the same edition of Windows 10 (Home or Pro) that you previously had installed to avoid activation issues.

    Please refer to this tutorial for a step-by-step guide:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4376893/article-how-to-perform-a-clean-install-or-reinstal?forum=insider-insider_wintp-insider_install-insiderplat_pc&referrer=answers

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  2. Ajitesh Saxena 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-24T04:25:15.3333333+00:00

    I didn't found the bitlocker key in the account attached as it's showing it is not saved there

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-24T04:19:10.7+00:00

    If no BitLocker recovery key appears in the Microsoft account, the key was not saved there or BitLocker was activated under a different account or by an organization.

    Check these supported locations:

    1. Another Microsoft account
      If the device was first set up with a different personal account, the recovery key might be attached to that account instead.
    2. Work or school account
      If the device is managed by work or school, the recovery key is typically backed up to the organization. It can be available through https://myaccount.microsoft.com under Devices > View BitLocker Keys, or through the Intune Company Portal if the organization allows it.
    3. Printed copy or USB/file backup
      When BitLocker was enabled manually, the person who enabled it chose where to save the recovery key. Check for a printout, a USB device, or a saved recovery key file.
    4. Another person who set up the device
      If someone else enabled BitLocker or originally configured the PC, the recovery key might be in that person’s Microsoft account or managed by their organization.

    Important facts:

    • A BitLocker recovery key is a 48-digit number.
    • Microsoft Support cannot retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key.
    • If the recovery key cannot be found in any saved location, the encrypted drive cannot be unlocked.

    If the device is a work or school PC and is enrolled in Intune, the recovery key can be retrieved from the Company Portal website:

    • Sign in on another device
    • Go to Devices
    • Select the locked PC
    • Select Get recovery key > Show recovery key

    If no recovery key exists in any of those locations, the remaining option is to reset or reinstall Windows, which removes files on the encrypted drive.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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