How to enter bitlocker recovery key

Question

I need help enter the bitlocker recovery key on my computer. I dont know which numbers to enter. It's confusing.

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Moved from: Azure Advisor

Answer 1

To enter the BitLocker recovery key on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Recovery Key: You should have a 48-digit recovery key that was provided when BitLocker was enabled. This key may be saved in a file, printed out, or stored in your Microsoft account.
2. Access the Recovery Screen: When prompted by BitLocker during startup, you will see a screen asking for the recovery key.
3. Enter the Key: Carefully enter the 48-digit recovery key. Make sure to input the numbers correctly, as they are sensitive to errors. The key is typically entered in groups of six digits, separated by hyphens (e.g., 123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456).
4. Confirm: After entering the key, press Enter to proceed. If the key is correct, your drive will unlock, and you can access your computer.

If you are having trouble entering the recovery key, ensure that you are using the correct key associated with your device. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to consult your IT support or the helpdesk for further assistance.

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References:

• BitLocker recovery process
• BitLocker recovery overview

Answer 2

Hello Cynthia Frazier,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Here’s what you need to do:

Locate Your BitLocker Recovery Key: If you saved your recovery key, it could be on a USB drive, printed, or stored in your Microsoft account. If you don't have it handy, you can check your Microsoft account online to find it. Here’s the link to access your recovery key: BitLocker recovery key portal.

Entering the Recovery Key: The recovery key is typically a 48-digit number divided into groups of six digits, like this: 123456-789012-345678-901234-567890. Make sure to enter the full key when prompted during the recovery process on the BitLocker recovery screen.

If You're Still Stuck: If you can't find the key or need further guidance, you can refer to this official article for more detailed instructions on finding and entering your BitLocker recovery key: Finding your BitLocker recovery key in Windows.

Hope this helps you get back into your computer! If you run into any more issues or have specific questions, feel free to ask!

Reference Links:

• BitLocker Recovery Key Portal
• Finding Your BitLocker Recovery Key in Windows