Bitlocker Code lost

Question

last night I needed to turn my secure boot off for a game. I then went to turn it off. I turned it off, not knowing I would have to put in a bit locker code and after searching how to do it, I tried doing it and realized I didn’t know my email to my Microsoft account. I completely forgot it and so now I basically have no access to my computer at all, I could care less if I have to fully restart it and reinstall windows I just want to be able to play on my computer.

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Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Other

Answer 1

If you have lost access to your BitLocker recovery key and cannot remember your Microsoft account email, you may have limited options to regain access to your computer. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Check for Backup Recovery Keys: If you have previously saved your BitLocker recovery key in a different location (like a USB drive, printed document, or another account), check those places.
2. Use Microsoft Account Recovery: If you remember your Microsoft account but not the email, you can try to recover your account through the Microsoft account recovery page. This may help you regain access to your email and subsequently your BitLocker recovery key.
3. Reinstall Windows: If you are willing to reinstall Windows, you can do so by creating a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media. This will erase all data on the drive, including the BitLocker encryption. You can then install a fresh copy of Windows and set up your computer again.
4. Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about the steps or need further assistance, consider reaching out to a professional technician who can help you with data recovery or reinstalling the operating system.

Remember that reinstalling Windows will delete all data on the drive, so proceed with caution if you have important files that you need to recover.

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References:

• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-094 - Important
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-100 - Important
• BitLocker preboot recovery screen
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-111 - Important
• Disabling Secure Boot

Answer 2

The BitLocker recovery key is linked to the Microsoft account used on the system. You can try to access it here: https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

This article provides detailed information on how to find the key: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/find-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6

Unfortunately, if the recovery key is not available, it won’t be possible to access the system because of BitLocker encryption. In this case, the only option is to format the hard drive and reinstall Windows.