Bitlocker Recovery with no cursor to set key

Patricia Kaiser 0 Reputation points
2026-09-19T21:11:55.7766667+00:00

Bitlocker Recovery has locked me out of my laptop. The key is provided, but the cursor space is not active - it will not accept any input into the space.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 87,635 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-19T22:16:21.0066667+00:00

    Hi, @Patricia Kaiser

    If you haven’t tried it yet, first, shut the laptop down completely. Connect a wired USB keyboard, then turn it back on.

    From another device, sign in here to check your BitLocker recovery key: https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey On the BitLocker screen, note the first 8 digits of the Recovery Key ID. Compare that Key ID with the Key ID shown on the Microsoft account page, then use the matching 48-digit recovery key. Using the Key ID to identify the correct recovery key if more than one is listed.

    When entering the recovery key, type the numbers only. You do not need to enter the spaces or hyphens.

    If the field still will not accept input, try pressing Tab once or twice. If possible, also test with a wired USB keyboard, since Bluetooth keyboards may not work at this stage.

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Does the built-in laptop keyboard respond at all on the BitLocker screen?
    2. Have you already tried a wired USB keyboard?
    3. What is the make and model of the laptop?

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-19T21:12:08.4833333+00:00

    If the BitLocker prompt is being shown by Windows RE, the input tools may still be available even when the text box does not appear active:

    1. Press WIN + CTRL + Enter to start Narrator.
    2. Tap or click a text input control on the BitLocker recovery screen to bring up the on-screen keyboard.
    3. Enter the 48-digit recovery key. Hyphens are optional.

    Important detail:

    • These accessibility tools are available on the Windows RE BitLocker recovery screen.
    • If the prompt is being shown by the Windows boot manager instead, those tools might not be available.

    If the device still will not accept input, the supported recovery path is to enter the BitLocker recovery key through Windows recovery tools. On Surface devices, Microsoft documents using a recovery USB, opening Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt, and using manage-bde.exe to unlock the drive. Disabling protectors reduces protection until BitLocker is turned back on.

    References:

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

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