Bitlocker locked out

Question

I have done an update on my laptop...its has given me the dreaded BLUE SCREEN BITLOCKER pass key request.....I didn't know I had bit locker!..and I dont have the long pass key/number..Anywhere....Pleasecan anyone help?Many thanks Kevin

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Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator

Answer 1

If you are locked out of your laptop due to BitLocker and do not have the recovery key, here are some steps you can take:

1. Check for the Recovery Key: The BitLocker recovery key is a 48-character code that may have been saved in several places:
   • Microsoft Account: If your device is linked to a Microsoft account, you can check for the recovery key by logging into your account at Microsoft account.
   • Company Portal: If your device is managed by an organization, you can retrieve the recovery key from the Intune Company Portal app or website if you have the necessary permissions. Sign in to the Company Portal website and navigate to your devices to find the recovery key.
   • USB Drive or Printout: If you saved the recovery key to a USB drive or printed it out, check those locations.
2. Contact IT Support: If your device is managed by an organization, reach out to your IT department for assistance in retrieving the recovery key.
3. Self-Service Portal: If your organization has a BitLocker self-service portal set up, you may be able to retrieve the recovery key there. You would need to enter the Recovery Key ID displayed on the BitLocker recovery screen to get the key.

If you cannot find the recovery key through these methods, unfortunately, you may need to consider data recovery options or a reset of the device, which could result in data loss.

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References:

• Get recovery key for Windows
• BitLocker recovery process

Answer 2

Hi Kevin, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

I understand the issue you have. There is nothing to worry about. I am here to assist. Kindly follow the steps provided by Q&A Assist. If there is another owner or you didn't set up BitLocker upon purchase, you need to ask the previous owner or the retailer of the PC.

Answer 3

Hi Kevin,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

As a security enhancement, Windows will automatically enable BitLocker after you sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account.

BitLocker Recovery key is saved on the Microsoft account you used to setup your computer. You may visit BitLocker recovery keys to check your devices and recovery keys on them. Or you may follow the instructions appeared on the BitLocker request screen.

For more information, please visit official Microsoft Find your BitLocker recovery key.

I hope that above information is helpful to you, and you can find the recovery key.

If you have further questions, please feel free to let me know.

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