Locating/adding missing device to account

Question

Locating/adding missing device to account

Marie 0

My laptop is three years old, with Win11 OS. I try to keep up with system updates and maintenance as my PC is necessary for my livelihood. A recent system update enabled Bitlocker. I have never enabled this feature on any of my computers, so I was confused as to how my entire computer could "suddenly" become encrypted by a feature I would NEVER use.

I followed ALL of the steps recommended by MS. I logged into my MS account, and imagine my surprise when the only device to get effectively bricked by this ransomware feature is somehow no longer listed under my devices. I have ALL of my computer information carefully logged and detailed. I attempted to contact MS service support, and my requests were denied. Literally, receive a redirect screen that bars me from contacting support.

How do I retrieve/locate the bitlocker key for my device when effected device has been removed from my MS account??

Microsoft knew this was a problem two years ago, but did not address it feels more like dealing with ransomware than a security "hiccup". Any suggestions that do not involve losing five years of work and education are welcome.

Marie 0 Reputation points

2026-05-16T08:25:59.3+00:00
Update:
As I am reading through the torrents of questions listed on here a pattern is beginning to emerge.

Running an MS update can/will remove your device from your MS account, thereby removing any chance of retrieving a bitlocker key. Thanks Microsoft, for not fixing that known issue

The bitlocker issue only seems to affect PC/users that have blocked MS from accessing personal, location, and usage data. Dubbing "security anomalies" as the reason bitlocker is suddenly enabled.

This security "glitch" is tantamount to MS installing ransomware.

Ransomware is a type of software that infects your computer, locking or encrypting your files so you can no longer access them. Cybercriminals then demand a ransom payment in exchange for restoring your data.

Microsoft forces you to reinstall the whole program so that you can no longer block their backdoor access to your PC and information. Information is money.