Recovering BitLocker Key or Wiping a PC with a Deleted Linked Account

Question

I tried installing Linux on an external hard drive but had to apparently turn off RST. However, before I could do that, I encountered the BitLocker screen. I'm concerned that the BitLocker key is linked to my old school account, which has since been deleted. How can I either 1) get access to the recovery key even though my account has been deleted, or 2) wipe the PC? I attempted a factory reset using Dell's software, but it was likely blocked because of the BitLocker key. The same issue occurred when I tried using Windows' factory reset. Edit: I also tried simply removing the hard drive but this didnt do anything

***Move from Windows / Windows 10 / Devices and drivers***

Answer 1

Hello  Gg422，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

 It sounds like you're in a tricky situation. Here are some steps to address both possibilities:

Option 1: Recover BitLocker Key

1. Check Other Accounts:

Occasionally, BitLocker recovery keys are saved to multiple accounts. If the key was saved to a personal Microsoft account or another organizational account, log in to those accounts and check under "Devices" in your Microsoft account settings.

2. Printouts and USBs:

BitLocker recovery keys can be saved to USB drives or printed out. Check any physical printouts or USB drives you might have used.

3. Contact Organization: If possible, contact the IT department of your old school. They might have a recovery key or be able to restore access to your old account temporarily.

Option 2: Wipe the PC

1. Windows Installation Media:

Create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation media. You can do this on another computer by downloading the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website. Boot from this USB drive.

2. Diskpart Utility:
   • Boot from the Windows installation media.
   • Choose your language preferences and click "Next."
   • Click "Repair your computer" at the bottom left.
   • Navigate to "Troubleshoot" -> "Advanced options" -> "Command Prompt."
   • Type the following commands:

     
           diskpart 
     
           list disk 
     
     

   • Identify your primary disk (usually Disk 0) and select it:

     
           select disk 0 
     
           clean 
     
     

   • This will remove all partitions and data from your primary disk. Afterward, you can proceed with installing a new operating system from scratch.
3. Third-Party Bootable Utilities:

Alternatively, use third-party tools like DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) to securely wipe the hard drive. Download the ISO file, burn it to a CD or USB drive, and boot from it to wipe the drive.

Note:

Wiping the drive will permanently erase all data on it, including the BitLocker encryption, and you'll lose any files that were stored there. Make sure this is your last resort.

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