bitlocker won't open

David Hope 0 Reputation points
2026-10-02T20:11:03.47+00:00

bitlocker has locked my computer. I have the key. Then takes me to options which aren't unlocking. Hel;

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-02T20:11:18.3466667+00:00

    If the BitLocker screen accepts the 48-digit key but the PC still does not start, use this path:

    1. On the BitLocker recovery screen, enter the 48-digit recovery password again and make sure it matches the key ID shown on the screen.
    2. If the device still returns to recovery, open Windows Recovery Environment and use Command Prompt.
    3. Identify the Windows drive letter if needed.
    4. Unlock the drive with the recovery password:
    manage-bde.exe -unlock C: -recoverypassword <48-digit-recovery-password>

    If the Windows drive is not C: in recovery, replace it with the correct drive letter.

    1. If the drive unlocks, decrypt it to stop BitLocker from blocking startup again:
    manage-bde.exe -off C:

    This can take time to complete.

    1. Restart the PC and test boot again.

    If the device is asking for a recovery key on USB instead of the 48-digit password, plug in the USB drive that contains the .bek recovery key file.

    If the drive still cannot be unlocked, another supported option is to connect the drive to another Windows device as a secondary drive and unlock it there using the recovery password:

    Unlock-BitLocker -MountPoint D -RecoveryPassword <48-digit-recovery-password>

    or:

    manage-bde.exe -unlock D: -recoverypassword <48-digit-recovery-password>

    Important: if the recovery key cannot be found or the drive cannot be unlocked, the remaining option is to reset or reinstall Windows. That removes files on the device.

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

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  2. Hendrix-V 19,745 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-03T02:25:42.3333333+00:00

    Hi David Hope,

    Since you have the BitLocker recovery key but the device is still not starting normally, it would be helpful to confirm what happens after you enter the key. For example, do you receive an error message, return to the recovery screen, or see specific recovery options? This information can help narrow down whether the issue is related to BitLocker itself or the Windows startup environment.

    Please share any error messages, screenshots (with personal information removed), or details about the recovery options you see after entering the key. The more specific information you can provide, the easier it will be for the community to suggest the most appropriate next steps.

    I look forward to your update and will be happy to help further.

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