Bitlocker recovery key

Question

My computer says it needs a bitlocker recovery key. I can't access my computer at all. My microsoft account does not have a bitlocker key associated with it. My device is not registered with my Microsoft account. I cannot reset my computer either. When I go to reset it, the computer says there was a problem resetting it.

*** Moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Recovery and backup ***

Answer 1

Hello Kate Weaver,

thank you for posting on the Microsoft Community Forums.

Generally, you can find your BitLocker recovery by following the steps in Find your BitLocker recovery key - Microsoft Support. If you can’t find the BitLocker recovery key and are unable to undo any changes that caused it to be needed, you’ll have to reset your device using one of the Windows recovery options.

Since you mentioned there is a problem when you reset your computer, can you please provide me more information about this error? It is best to upload a screenshot about it.

Best regards,

Lei

Answer 2

I don't have a USB drive, so I cannot complete the second option.

When I tried the command prompt, I was greeted with this screen.

The computer is still locked down.

Answer 3

The command you entered is wrong. It seems you missed the spacebar. Please copy and paste this:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Answer 4

This is the screen I get when I try to reset my computer.

My account says I have no bitlocker key associated with it.

Answer 5

Please follow the steps in "There was a problem when resetting your PC. No changes were made." error after attempting to Reset this PC - Microsoft Support and Error: “There was a problem resetting your PC” - Microsoft Community to see if your PC can be reset.