How to obtain a Bit-Locker Key

A BitLocker recovery key cannot be reset or recreated. Microsoft Support also cannot retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key.

To try to obtain the correct key for that PC:

1. On the BitLocker recovery screen, use the recovery key ID to identify the matching key.
2. Check the Microsoft account that was used with the device at https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
3. If the PC was ever connected to a work or school account, check https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey, then go to Devices > expand the device > View BitLocker Keys.
4. Check whether the key was:
   • printed when BitLocker was turned on
   • saved to a USB flash drive
   • saved by another person who set up the device or enabled BitLocker
5. If the device is managed by an organization, contact that organization’s IT support.

Important details:

• A BitLocker recovery key is a 48-digit number used to unlock the encrypted drive.
• If the device was set up by someone else, the key might be stored in that person’s Microsoft account.
• If the key cannot be found, the remaining option is to reset the device using Windows recovery options. This removes all files.

• Find your BitLocker recovery key
• Find your BitLocker recovery key
• Back Up Your BitLocker Recovery Key
• BitLocker overview