Why is Recovery Id same on 2 different computers

Question

Recovery Key id on laptop different that one displayed on my Microsoft account. So I can't do bitunlock. I didn't request or try to set up a bitlock Idm

*** Moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Performance and system failures ***

Answer 1

Hello James GS，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

When dealing with BitLocker encryption on Windows, it's essential to understand the relationship between the Recovery Key ID and the actual Recovery Key. Here are several reasons why you might be encountering the issue where the Recovery Key ID on your laptop is different from the one displayed in your Microsoft account:

1. Multiple Recovery Keys: It's possible that multiple Recovery Keys have been created for this device. Each time BitLocker is enabled or a new Recovery Key is generated, a unique Recovery Key ID is created. If you have multiple Recovery Keys stored in different locations (e.g., Microsoft account, USB drive, printed out), each will have its own Recovery Key ID.
2. Different Machines: If you’ve set up BitLocker on more than one machine, each machine will have its own set of Recovery Keys and corresponding IDs. Ensure that you are checking the Recovery Key ID for the correct device in your Microsoft account.
3. BitLocker Reconfiguration: Sometimes, changing certain system settings or reconfiguring BitLocker might generate new Recovery Keys. If BitLocker was temporarily disabled and then re-enabled, a new Recovery Key might have been generated and the old one might have been invalidated.
4. Microsoft Account Sync Issues: There could be a delay or failure in syncing the latest recovery information to your Microsoft account. Ensure that your device is properly connected to the internet and try syncing the information again.
5. Domain Accounts and Enterprise Policies: If your machine is part of a domain (e.g., work or school laptop), your organization might control BitLocker recovery options via group policies or Active Directory. In such cases, the recovery key might be stored in your organization’s systems and not in your Microsoft account.

Steps to Resolve the Issue:

1. Check All Locations for Recovery Keys:
   • Log into your Microsoft account and navigate to the BitLocker Recovery Keys section to view all available keys.
   • Check any physical printouts, USB drives, or other mediums where you might have saved the key.
2. Identify the Correct Device:
   • Ensure you are viewing the recovery key information for the correct device. The Recovery Key ID should match one of the IDs listed in your account.
3. Sync Your Device:
   • Make sure your device is connected to the internet and try to force a sync by running the following command in an elevated Command Prompt:

     
          manage-bde -protectors -get C: 
     
     

   • This command will display the current protectors and their corresponding IDs on the specified drive. Ensure the device is correctly reporting these back to your Microsoft account if it’s linked.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan

Answer 2

Hello,.

Thank you for detailed information. My laptop is connected to internet but I can't check if or command sync because I can't get past bit lock recovery screen. .

How do you get past the bit locker screen to get to the command prompt ?

Answer 3

To get past the BitLocker recovery screen and access your system, you'll need to provide the BitLocker recovery key.

If you do not have the recovery key and cannot retrieve it, you won't be able to bypass the BitLocker recovery screen, and unfortunately, there is no way to access the data on the encrypted drive without it. In such cases, you may need to consider recovering from a backup or performing a clean installation of Windows after formatting the drive.