Restore data from SSD encrypted by BitLocker

Question

Hello,

Win10 64bit system SSD/HDD had sw failure and can´t be run anymore (BSOD or boot error).

How can be possible to read data from SSD/HDD on other pc (via adapter "sata to usb" or "nvme to usb") when harddrive is encrpted by BitLocker (when is known the BitLocker key)?

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

• What is the Version and Build of Windows 10 installed on the PC? (Type winver in Windows search/Run command)
• Are you able to boot the PC to desktop?
• Are you aware of any changes on the PC prior to this issue?

If you are unable to boot the PC to desktop then Create a bootable media using a different PC and boot the affected PC using the media.

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Method 1: System Restore using WinRE use bootable media

1. Use the Bootable media to boot the PC.
2. Boot from the media and choose “Repair your computer.”
3. Under Advanced troubleshooting, select Troubleshoot.
4. Under Advanced options screen, you will see System Restore.

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Method 2: Rebuild BCD

1. Use the Bootable media to boot the PC.
2. On the initial setup screen, select the language and other preferences and click on Next. (If you don't see the setup screen, your PC might not be set up to boot from a drive. Check your PC manufacturer's website for info on how to change your PC's boot order, and then try again.)
3. Now, click on Repair your computer.
4. On the System Recovery Options screen, select Troubleshoot> Advanced options > Command Prompt.
5. Now type in the commands and hit Enter:
   bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backupc:cd bootattrib bcd -s -h –rren c:\boot\bcd bcd.oldbootrec /RebuildBcd

If you are referring to BitLocker recovery key prompt. Ideally, in Windows 10 BitLocker doesn’t come by default. It could be possible that the BitLocker got enabled during some updates, either Windows update or PC manufacturer update

There are several places that your recovery key may be, depending on the choice that was made when activating BitLocker, please refer this article to recover the key:

Finding your BitLocker recovery key in Windows 10 & Find my BitLocker recovery key

Let us know the results. If the issue persists, we will certainly assist you further.

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator