Bitlocker key not working

Question

My BitLocker recovery key is not working. I have tried multiple options, but nothing seems to resolve the issue, and the laptop keeps returning to the BitLocker recovery screen.

I also attempted a USB recovery, but it continues to loop back to the same BitLocker key screen.

Could you please have an agent contact me to help fix my laptop?

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Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator

Answer 1

If your BitLocker recovery key is not working and you're continuously being returned to the BitLocker recovery screen, there are a few steps you can try:

1. Double-check the Recovery Key: Ensure that you are entering the correct recovery key. It should be a 48-digit number. Sometimes, a simple typo can cause issues.
2. Use the BitLocker Repair Tool: If the recovery key is not unlocking the drive, you can use the BitLocker Repair tool (repair-bde.exe) to attempt to recover the data. This tool can help decrypt the volume at the block level, which may be necessary if the drive is damaged.
3. Access Recovery Options: If you have access to another computer, you can create a USB recovery drive using a Surface recovery image. Boot from this USB and follow the prompts to troubleshoot further.
4. Check for Firmware Updates: Sometimes, firmware updates can cause BitLocker to prompt for recovery keys. Ensure that your device's firmware is up to date.
5. Contact Support: If none of these steps work, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft support or your device manufacturer for further assistance, as they can provide more tailored help based on your specific situation.

Remember, if you are using a USB recovery drive, ensure that it is properly created and that you are following the correct boot procedures to access recovery options.

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References:

• BitLocker recovery process
• BitLocker Repair tool

Answer 2

Hi, good day!

I apologize, but there isn't another way to get around BitLocker if you can't find the right recovery key or keep running into the same problem. In this situation, a Clean Installation of Windows via USB flash drive would be required. Please be aware that the BitLocker encryption will be deactivated during this operation, and your data will be lost.

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You will need to find another working Windows computer from a family member or friend near you to create the Windows USB Installation media.

Find another working computer then download the Media Creation tool (Click Download tool now). Use the tool to "Create installation media (USB flash drive at least 8GB in size) to install Windows". Instructions inside the link.

Note: Please make sure to uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box. Please check the link below for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

Insert the USB Installation media into your computer. Please change the boot order in the Bios Settings. Boot your PC from the Installation Media you created.

Kindly refer to the link below on How to Perform a Clean Install for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Answer 3

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

If you have BitLocker Recovery key there, please try these alternative solutions.

First, please take a look at this tutorial about how to boot into Windows Recovery Environment and Windows Startup Settings.

1. Safe Mode
   1. From Startup Settings > Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
   2. Try to unlock BitLocker in Safe Mode environment.
2. Unlock by Command
   1. If the above Solution 1 does not work, please reboot to Windows Recovery Environment.
   2. Once in Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
   3. In the Command Prompt window, run this command to unlock volume C:
      manage-bde -unlock C: -rp XXXXXX
      Please replace XXXXXX with your 48-digit BitLocker Recovery key.
      Wait for the command to run successfully.
   4. Then this command to disable BitLocker on volume C:
      manage-bde -protectors -disable C:
      Wait for the command to run successfully.
   5. Then this command to exit Command Prompt:
      exit
   6. Select Continue or Exit and continue to Windows.
   7. Your computer should now start Windows normally without asking for the recovery key.

In case you don't have the right BitLocker Recovery key, unfortunately no one can get that for you - even Microsoft, and the only option left is clean install with formatting the drive.

I hope that above information is helpful to you and can help you unlock your drive.

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

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