Bitlocker Recovery or Change Keyboard layout option

Question

The laptop present the bitlocker screen with the option of Change keyboard layout, skip this drive or additional information. I log in in my Microsoft Account and didn't find anything under the Devices section

Answer 1

If your drive is encrypted with Bitlocker, the only place the Bitlocker Recovery key is automatically stored is on the associated Microsoft account on the link below, be sure to check any Microsoft account that may have been used on the PC and also any work or school account that may be linked to the PC.

https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

Are you able to find the Bitlocker Recovery Key on any account that may have been used or linked to the laptop?

If not, do you have a safe backup of your files, or use a cloud service like OneDrive to sync your files online.

Answer 2

If your laptop is prompting for the BitLocker recovery key and you cannot find it under the Devices section of your Microsoft Account, you may need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain the BitLocker Recovery Key: Ensure that you have access to the recovery key. If BitLocker is managed by an organization, contact your IT administrator for assistance.
2. Use Another Computer: If you have access to another computer, download the Surface recovery image to create a USB recovery drive. This can help you access recovery options.
3. Boot from the USB Recovery Drive: Insert the USB drive into your laptop and boot from it. You will need to select your operating system language and keyboard layout.
4. Access Command Prompt: Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt. Here, you can run commands to unlock your drive using the recovery key.
5. Unlock the Drive: Use the command manage-bde -unlock -recoverypassword <Password> <DriveLetter>: to unlock your drive, replacing <Password> with your recovery key and <DriveLetter> with the appropriate drive letter.
6. Disable Protectors: After unlocking, you can disable the BitLocker protectors using the command manage-bde -protectors -disable <DriveLetter>:.
7. Restart the Computer: Once you have completed these steps, restart your laptop and enter the recovery key again if prompted.

If you are still unable to locate your recovery key, you may need to explore other recovery options or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

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References:

• BitLocker recovery: known issues
• BitLocker recovery process