Issues with bitlocker

Question

I Am blocked and cannot enter the thinkpad due to bitlocker security. Need the 48 number code

Answer 1

I wish I could share good news, but the truth is no one can get you the bitlocker key, including Microsoft staff/support. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6 The link here says:"Important: Microsoft Support doesn't have the ability to retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key."

Is this where you looked? https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

If you set it up with school or work account, it is worth checking here as well https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey sign in with your work/school email credential in that case.

Any chance your laptop was purchased used, or already set up for you? Or was it gifted? Or have you set it up with a different account at first? The key is stored with the very Microsoft account used to set up the computer for the first time, even if you had got rid of that account and set it up with a different account. So, if your computer was set up by anyone at the store you bought it from, it would be that person's account.

I assume you don't remember opting out of not saving it in Microsoft account, and saving it to a local file instead? That's another possibility.

If you can't find it at all, there's really no way to go around it. Bitlocker means business. If it can be bypassed, then it means the encryption is not working. Your only option is to do a clean install of Windows. In that case, you do lose your files. I am very sorry.

Answer 2

To regain access to your ThinkPad that is blocked due to BitLocker, you will need the 48-digit recovery password. This password is typically saved in one of the following locations:

1. Printed or saved text file: Check if you have printed the recovery password or saved it as a text file.
2. Microsoft Entra ID or Active Directory: If your organization uses these services, you may be able to retrieve the recovery password from there. You can access your recovery keys stored in Microsoft Entra ID by visiting https://myaccount.microsoft.com, navigating to the Devices tab, and selecting your Windows device to view the BitLocker keys.
3. Backup USB drive: If you saved the recovery key to a USB flash drive, ensure it is connected to the device when prompted.

If you cannot find the recovery password, you may need to contact your IT support or helpdesk for assistance in recovering access to your device.

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References:

• BitLocker recovery: known issues
• BitLocker recovery overview
• BitLocker recovery process
• Guidelines for troubleshooting BitLocker