I can’t access my Bitlocker Key and Im locked out of my computer

Greene, Rylee 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T16:27:00.27+00:00

My computer needs the bitlocker key. I can’t access it on my phone. I don’t know what to do.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Recovery key
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-10T16:27:15.15+00:00

    A BitLocker recovery key is required to unlock the encrypted drive. Microsoft Support can’t retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key.

    Try these recovery paths from another device:

    1. If the PC uses a personal Microsoft account, check the recovery key attached to that account.
    2. If the device is managed by work or school, check the My Account portal:
      • Go to the Devices page.
      • Select the locked device.
      • Select View BitLocker Keys.
    3. If the device is Intune-enrolled, use the Company Portal website:
      • Sign in to the Company Portal website.
      • Go to Devices.
      • Select the locked PC.
      • Select Get recovery key > Show recovery key.
      • The key is shown for five minutes.
    4. Check any backup locations where the key may have been saved when BitLocker was enabled, such as a USB device or a printed copy.
    5. If the organization uses MBAM Self-Service Portal, enter the Recovery Key ID shown on the BitLocker screen, select a reason, and get the 48-digit recovery key.

    To unlock the PC, enter the 48-digit recovery key on the BitLocker recovery screen. Hyphens are optional.

    If the key isn’t available in the account, portal, USB, printout, or organization-managed recovery system, the drive can’t be unlocked with BitLocker recovery.

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

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  2. Bence Weiszmann 1,815 Reputation points
    2026-09-10T16:36:45.58+00:00

    Dear @Greene, Rylee

    If this is your personal Microsoft account, go to: https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykeySign in with the Microsoft account you used on the locked PC and check if the recovery key is listed there. Make sure the Recovery Key ID matches the one shown on the BitLocker recovery screen.

    If this is a work or school PC, the recovery key may be stored in Microsoft Entra ID or Intune. In that case, you'll need to contact your IT administrator.

    Best regards,
    Bence

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