Windows computer is stuck in bitlocker loop, unable to access even if I have the right password and recovery key, how can I get in or recover my data?

Question

Here is my issue:

Just activated bitlocker on a Windows 10 computer, encryption is in XTS-AES 128. When I finished the setup, computer restarted as it normally does when you activate bitlocker.

Since then, unable to get back in, I know I have the right password because when I enter a wrong one I get an error message stating it's the wrong password, and when I enter the right one, no message, screen goes black and I get prompted once more to the password screen. Then, I reenter the right password, screen goes black and then I get prompted to the recovery screen where I enter my recovery key, but even with the recovery key it says it's unable to access the drive. I confirmed I do have the right Identification key that matches the recovery Key.

Here is what I tried:

• Restarted multiple times (Probably more than 100 at the time I'm writing this)
• Tried using the command prompt to unlock drive with user password and recovery password
• Tried using Dislocker to decrypt the bitlocker volume, no success, getting an error that I think states that the encryption isn't finished so it can't be decrypted.
• Tried resetting my computer while keeping my personal files, but it won't let me do it, always go back to the troubleshooting screen.
• Tried uninstalling updates, no success and doesn't work.
• Tried playing with bios options, no success

Any help is appreciated, thank you very much!

Answer 1

Sam, as I wrote in my first post where I laid out all the options, I would not use Bitlocker without having another backup, ideally a cloud one so real time changes are captured. I just see too many cases where files are lost due to it's malfunction or being enabled at the factory without notifying the buyer.

You can try the rescue method I gave which has been reported to work, although it's an anomaly since Bitlocker is supposed to lock files against boot access, too.

I don't know if Support has a protocol for this but if nothing I wrote works you can contact Microsoft Support at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/home/contac...

Explain the problem to the Virtual Assistant and keep asking for an agent, to get chat or a call back on week days.

Answer 2

Thanks for the response, unfortunately nothing worked.

I have to mention, my main problem here is there is a whole business in that laptop, I can’t lose those files, so wipping isn’t a solution.

It is sooo frustrating because I do have the right password ans recovery key but none works!! I ordered an adapter so that I can connect the encrypted hard drive via usb on my other computer and see if I can access it there. I’m out of options. Any other solutions?

Answer 3

Hi Samuel. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

I'd wait overnight to see if it's still encrypting if it's new.

Try removing or turning off Bitlocker by one of these methods:

https://www.repairwin.com/how-to-remove-bitlock...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/37060-turn-...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/36701-turn-...

Manual for managing Bitlocker:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-bitlocke...

If you cannot find the key or turn off Bitlocker then you'll need to try to recover your data by one of the methods shown here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/263561/how-to-recover...

http://woshub.com/data-recovery-on-a-damaged-ha...

A few have tried this method successfully to Rescue files using bootable media so WIndows isn't running and has no say:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If nothing else works then wipe the drive to reinstall WIndows as shown here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/85819-erase...

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Due to number of similar cases with files lost I would have a secondary backup just in case. You can periodically drag my User folders to external USB which you keep unplugged to protect against ransomware. Then I would also have a method using the cloud which is fire-, ransomware- and theft-proof:

You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud or backup your Documents, Pictures and/or Desktop to capture real time changes using OneDrive Backup here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/116029-turn...

If you install Google Drive Desktop, you can use their new Backup to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/1083812...

If you want to report this to Microsoft you may be able to help improve this product/experience by using the Feedback Hub in Start Menu, especially if you are willing to share logs and other requested information. While they will probably not see this here in the forums, Microsoft developers DO read feedback from customers that comes in via the Feedback Hub, so that is a great way to share your thoughts on how to better serve you as a customer.

If you want to post back a Share link from your Feedback here others who see this thread can vote it up and add to it.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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