48-digit recovery key

A BitLocker recovery key is a unique 48-digit numerical password used to unlock an encrypted drive when BitLocker cannot unlock it automatically.

To obtain the 48-digit recovery key for a Windows 10 home laptop, check these locations, depending on how BitLocker was set up:

1. Microsoft account
   If BitLocker was turned on while signed in with a Microsoft account, the key is typically backed up there. From another device:
   1. Open a browser and go to https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey (which redirects to https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey).
   2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account used on the laptop.
   3. Find the entry whose Recovery Key ID (first 8 digits) matches what is shown on the BitLocker recovery screen, then use the corresponding 48-digit key.
2. Work or school/organization account
   If the device is managed by a work or school, the recovery key is often stored in the organization’s directory and managed by IT. Contact the organization’s IT/helpdesk and provide the Recovery Key ID shown on the BitLocker screen so they can look it up.
3. Other backup locations chosen when BitLocker was enabled
   The key may have been:
   • Printed on paper.
   • Saved to a file on a USB drive or another computer.
   • Saved into Microsoft Entra ID or Active Directory Domain Services (for managed devices), retrievable by an administrator.

When prompted on the blue BitLocker screen, enter the 48-digit key (hyphens are optional). If correct, Windows will start normally.

If the key cannot be found in any of these locations, it cannot be recreated or retrieved by Microsoft Support or anyone else, and access to the encrypted data cannot be regained.

References:

• Find your BitLocker recovery key
• Back Up Your BitLocker Recovery Key
• Windows devices for home users, businesses, and schools with Microsoft-managed updates
• BitLocker overview
• BitLocker recovery process