how to fix bitlocker recovery key if device is not linked to MS account

Question

hello team

I want reset my windows pin, I'm not able to login to my admin desktop.

its asking for bitlocker recovery key, and this device is not linked to MS account( as it showed in my MS account).

please help

Answer 1

Hi Soumya Kulkarni,

Solution to Recover BitLocker Key & Reset Windows PIN

Step 1: Locate Your BitLocker Recovery Key

Since your device isn’t linked to your Microsoft account, try these alternative key sources:

• Physical/Printed Copy: Check documents provided with the PC, or a sticker on the PC/box.
• USB Drive: Insert USB drives used during BitLocker setup (look for a .BEK file).
• Work/School Account: If the device was managed by an organization, contact your IT department—they may have the key in Active Directory.
• File Backup: Search your email, cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive), or external drives for a text file named "BitLocker Recovery Key."
• Other Accounts: Sign into other Microsoft accounts you own at Microsoft Recovery Key Portal to verify.

Step 2: Enter the Recovery Key

• On the BitLocker recovery screen, type the 48-digit recovery key (hyphens are optional).
• If correct, you’ll boot into Windows.

---

If You Can’t Find the Key (Last Resort)

Without the key, data loss is unavoidable. Proceed only if backups exist or data isn’t critical:

Option A: Reset Windows via Recovery Environment

1. Force-shutdown your PC 3 times during boot to trigger Automatic Repair.
2. Go to Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Remove everything.
3. Choose "Cloud Download" (internet required) or "Local Reinstall".
4. Confirm "Fully clean the drive" (this deletes all encrypted data).
5. Reinstall Windows and set up a new account/PIN.

Option B: Use Windows Installation Media

1. Create a bootable USB on another PC:
   • Download Media Creation Tool.
   • Run the tool and select "Create installation media."
2. Boot from the USB:
   • Restart your PC and press F12/Esc/F2 (varies by manufacturer) to open the boot menu.
   • Select the USB drive.
3. On the Windows Setup screen:
   • Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
   • Type diskpart → list disk → select disk X (replace X with your drive number) → clean.
   • Close Command Prompt and proceed with a clean install.

---

After Recovery: Reset Windows PIN

Once you regain access (via recovery key or reinstall):

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
2. Under PIN, select "I forgot my PIN" and follow prompts to create a new one.
3. If locked out, use Windows Password Reset Tool (like Offline NT Password & Registry Editor)—but this requires booting from USB and may not work on encrypted drives.

---

Prevent Future Issues:

1. Backup BitLocker Key:
   • Log into Windows → Press Win + R → type manage-bde -protectors C: -get → Note the key ID.
   • Backup the key manually: manage-bde -protectors C: -backup -id {KEY_ID} to a USB.
2. Link to Microsoft Account:
   • Go to Settings → Accounts → Your info → "Sign in with a Microsoft account".
3. Enable Recovery Key Sync:
   • Sign in to Microsoft Account → Verify device appears under "Devices."

Critical: Without the recovery key, data recovery is impossible. Professional services (e.g., data forensics) are costly and not guaranteed. Always maintain backups!

Please feel free to let me know if you still have any questions.

Best regards,

BblytheX