Bitlocker recovery key

Question

My surface laptop recently rebooted and has now come up with a screen saying I need to input the Bitlocker recovery key, however the Microsoft account that the laptop is linked to is my old university account which they have since deleted so I have no access to it. Is there any other way to get the recovery key?

Answer 1

Hello

If you find yourself locked out of your Surface laptop due to BitLocker and lack access to your old university Microsoft account, don’t worry! There are alternative ways to retrieve the BitLocker recovery key without relying on that account.

Here are a couple of methods you can try:

Using Command Prompt:

Press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open an elevated Command Prompt.

Run the following command, replacing C: with the actual drive letter of the encrypted BitLocker drive:

manage-bde -protectors -get C:

This command will display the BitLocker recovery keys for all encrypted drives.

 

Azure Portal (If Connected to a Domain Network):

If your Surface laptop is connected to a domain network, you can use the Azure portal:

Log into the Azure portal.

Select Azure Active Directory, then choose Devices.

Click the BitLocker keys link.

Enter the BitLocker Key ID that appears on the blue screen of your system.

Hit “Show recovery key” to reveal the recovery key if found.