PC problem

Marcello Mitreski 20 Reputation points
2026-01-27T17:35:53.9166667+00:00

So I just bought a PC off a market but the man forgot to give me the password. So I try to reset but it ask for a recovery key of 40 character but I don’t have it . The seller won’t reply to me so is there a way to reset this pc ?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 939.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-01-27T18:10:25.4866667+00:00

If there was an existing account on that device when you purchased it, then you will not be able to find the associated Bitlocker Recovery Key, it would be stored on the previous owners Microsoft account online.

A Windows reset will not work on an encrypted drive, the only way to remove the drive encryption and make that device your own is to create a bootable Windows USB on an empty 8GTB USB flash drive, then use that to clean install Windows and at the start of the installation process, delete all partitions on the drive.

Click this link:  https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

to download the Media Creation Tool (Click on Download Tool Now), with that you can create a bootable USB flash drive (min 8GB) using that tool

Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created to begin installing Windows 11.

During the installation process skip the steps which ask for a product key and select the option 'I am Reinstalling Windows 11 on this PC'.

 

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  1. AI answer

    2026-01-27T17:36:05.94+00:00

    If you have purchased a PC and do not have the recovery key, your options to reset the PC are limited. Here are some steps you can consider:

    1. Contact the Seller: If possible, try to reach out to the seller again to obtain the recovery key or password.
    2. Use Windows Recovery Options: If you can access the recovery environment, you might be able to reset the PC:
      • Restart the PC and press the appropriate key (often F8, F11, or Shift + F8) to access recovery options.
      • Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. You may have the option to keep your files or remove everything, but this may require the recovery key if BitLocker is enabled.
    3. Windows Installation Media: If you cannot access recovery options, you can create a Windows installation media using another computer. Boot from this media and choose the repair option. This may allow you to reset the PC without needing the recovery key, but be cautious as this may lead to data loss.
    4. Professional Help: If the above options do not work, consider seeking help from a professional technician who may have tools to assist in recovering or resetting the device.

    Unfortunately, if the device is locked with BitLocker and you do not have the recovery key, there may be no way to access the system without it.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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