What is my bit locker key

Question

Blue screen needing bit locker key . Cannot access my computer without this. What is it and where do I get it? It also won’t let me type in box

Answer 1

Hello @Jennifer Brown

Let’s see if I can help clarify things for you.

BitLocker is a security feature in Windows that provides encryption for entire volumes, protecting your data from unauthorized access, especially in cases of lost or stolen devices.

The BitLocker recovery key is a unique 48-digit numerical password that can be used to unlock your system if BitLocker is unable to confirm that the attempt to access the system drive is authorized.

If your system is asking for this key, it means BitLocker has detected something unusual about how the operating system is starting up and is trying to protect your data by locking the drive.

There are several places where your recovery key may be located, depending on the choice that was made when activating BitLocker:

• Microsoft account: If BitLocker was activated using a Microsoft account, the recovery key might be stored there. You can check this by signing into your Microsoft account on another device with internet access.
• Printout or saved file: You might have printed or saved your recovery key when BitLocker was activated. Look where you keep important papers related to your computer.
• USB flash drive: If you saved the key as a text file on a USB flash drive, plug the USB flash drive into your locked PC and follow the instructions.
• Work or school account: If your device was ever signed into an organization using a work or school email account, your recovery key may be stored in that organization’s Azure AD account.
• System administrator: If your device is connected to a domain (usually a work or school device), ask a system administrator for your recovery key.

As for the issue of not being able to type letters in the BitLocker recovery key input box, this is because the BitLocker recovery key is a numerical password, so it only accepts numbers.

If you’re trying to enter a key that includes letters, you might be looking at the BitLocker Key ID, which is different from the recovery key. If you’re unable to locate the BitLocker recovery key and can’t revert any configuration change that might have caused it to be required, you’ll need to reset your device using one of the Windows recovery options. Please note that resetting your device will remove all of your files². I hope this information helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask here in Q&A and we have community experts who will help you.

Answer 2

Hello @Jennifer brown,

welcome to this moderated Azure community forum.

Bitlocker is a security feature to encrypt your harddisk. If your laptop gets stolen or you forget it somewhere, nobody can read the content except when you login with your Windows account or with the recovery key.

Because your Windows seems to encounter some problem, you need to provide the recovery key.

Check this website on another device with a guide to get the recovery key.

There is a video with more information also.

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