Bitlocker Recovery Key is not matching Error while recovering SSD data externally

Question

Hello all. I can't start my computer because of corrupted file. I have taken the SSD disk out and used another computer to read the data which is locked by Bitlocker Key. I have both Bitlocker Key and Key ID, but I don't know how to verify Key ID. Once I typed in Bitlocker Key, it showed "doesn't match", then doesn't allow me to go further. Please advise.

***moved from indows / Windows 11 / Devices and drivers***

Answer 1

Hello Mustafajarman,

thank you for posting on the Microsoft Community Forums.

If you have the BitLocker recovery key and the Key ID, but you are facing the issue of the key not matching, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you are entering the correct key and resolving the issue:

Ⅰ. Steps to Verify and Enter the Correct BitLocker Recovery Key:

1. Cross-Check the Key ID:
   • When prompted to enter the BitLocker recovery key, the system usually displays a Key ID.
   • Ensure that the Key ID displayed by the system matches exactly with the Key ID associated with the BitLocker recovery key you have.
2. Double-Check the Recovery Key:
   • Ensure that you are entering the 48-digit BitLocker recovery key correctly.
   • Double-check for any typos or missed characters. The recovery key is typically divided into eight groups of six digits.
3. Use Manage-bde Tool Properly:
   • Since you have the SSD connected to another computer, you can use the "manage-bde" tool to unlock the drive.
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator on the computer where the SSD is connected.
   • Use the following command to unlock the drive (assuming the SSD is mounted as D:):
   manage-bde -unlock D: -RecoveryPassword YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY-HERE
   • Replace "YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY-HERE" with the actual 48-digit recovery key.
4. Check for Typos in the Command:
   • Ensure there are no typos in your command and that the drive letter (D: in the example) matches the letter assigned to the SSD when connected to the second computer.

Ⅱ. Example:

If your SSD is mounted as drive "E:" and your recovery key is "123456-789012-345678-901234-567890-123456-789012-345678", you would use the command:

manage-bde -unlock E: -RecoveryPassword 123456-789012-345678-901234-567890-123456-789012-345678 

Ⅲ. Additional Steps:

1. Verify Drive Letter:
   • Open File Explorer on the secondary computer and confirm the drive letter assigned to the SSD. Ensure you're using the correct drive letter in the command.
2. Check Alternative Recovery Keys:
   • If you have created multiple recovery keys, try using a different one.
3. Check for Updates:
   • Ensure the secondary computer has the latest updates installed, especially related to BitLocker and encryption. Sometimes, system updates can resolve compatibility issues.

Ⅳ. If Issues Persist:

• Use BitLocker Repair Tool:
  • If you are still unable to unlock the drive, you may consider using the BitLocker Repair Tool to recover data from a corrupted drive. This tool is more advanced and should be used with caution: repair-bde E: F: -rp 123456-789012-345678-901234-567890-123456-789012-345678
  • Replace "E:" with the SSD drive letter and "F:" with the drive letter of a destination drive where you want to save the recovered data.

Hope it helps.

Kind regards,

Lei

Answer 2

Thank you for your reply. As my laptop is 12th generation. So does the steps varies due to generations? Also when writing drive as C, won't the second computer confuses with it's own drive C with my drive C? Thank you

Answer 3

1. The steps are same as 12th generation.
2. Generally, a computer will not confuse its own drive C with an external device because the operating system recognizes and manages local disks and external storage devices through different mechanisms.