BITLOCKER RECOVERY

Use another device to sign in to the same Microsoft account at https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey, match the recovery-key ID displayed on the locked PC, and enter the corresponding 48-digit key.

Retrieve and match the key

1. On the BitLocker screen, write down the first eight digits of the Recovery Key ID. This identifies the correct key; it is not the recovery key itself.
2. On a phone or another computer, open https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey.
3. Sign in to the Microsoft account that was used when this PC was initially configured or when device encryption was enabled.
   • If the email change was an alias change, try the new address. Microsoft account aliases share the same account, password, storage, and settings.^1^
   • Also try every other personal Microsoft account previously used on the PC.
   • If another person originally configured the computer, the key might be in that person’s account.
4. Find the entry whose Key ID matches the eight digits shown on the locked PC.
5. Enter that entry’s 48-digit recovery key on the BitLocker screen. Microsoft documents the complete matching and recovery procedure here.^2^

On Windows 11 version 24H2, the recovery screen may also show a hint identifying the associated Microsoft account.^2^

If the account requires verification through the old email

Changing the sign-in email and replacing security verification information are different operations.

If you selected “I don’t have any of these” and replaced all inaccessible security information, Microsoft applies a 30-day waiting period before the new information can be used. That waiting period cannot be shortened through repeated verification attempts.^3^

During that period:

• If any existing verification method remains accessible, use it to sign in and retrieve the key.
• If the old method is only scheduled for removal and becomes accessible again, it can still be used until its scheduled removal date.^4^
• Avoid repeatedly requesting codes, because excessive requests can cause a temporary block on code delivery.^3^

Check the other supported storage locations

If the key is not in that personal account, check:

• Work or school account: Go to https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey, sign in, select Devices, expand this device, and select View BitLocker Keys. Contact the organization’s IT department if access is restricted.
• A printed copy kept with the computer’s records.
• A USB drive or text file where the key may have been saved.
• The Microsoft account of anyone who initially configured the PC.

These are the supported recovery locations listed by Microsoft.^2^

If the key cannot be found

Microsoft Support cannot retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker key. Without the matching key, the encrypted files cannot be recovered through a supported bypass.^2^

The remaining option is to reset or reinstall Windows. This removes the files on the encrypted drive, so use it only after checking every applicable account and backup location. Files previously synchronized to OneDrive or another backup can be restored afterward.

References

1. Change the email address for your Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
2. Find your BitLocker recovery key | Microsoft Support
3. Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues | Microsoft Support
4. What does 'Scheduled for removal' mean? | Microsoft Support