Can't find bit locker key

LaKisha Collins-Mitchell 0 Reputation points
2026-11-03T00:59:24.89+00:00

Purchased computer back in July and now it's asking for bit locker key.

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

    2026-11-03T00:59:55.9866667+00:00

    Use another device to open Microsoft’s BitLocker recovery-key page, sign in with the Microsoft account used when the PC was first configured, and match the listed key to the Recovery key ID shown on the locked PC.^1^

    Retrieve the correct key

    1. On the BitLocker screen, write down the first eight digits of the Recovery key ID. This is an identifier, not the recovery key itself.
    2. On a phone or another computer, open: https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey
    3. Sign in with each Microsoft account that may have been used to set up the computer.
    4. Find the entry whose Key ID matches the ID displayed on the locked PC.
    5. Enter its corresponding 48-digit recovery key on the BitLocker screen.

    On Windows 11 version 24H2, the recovery screen may display a hint identifying the associated Microsoft account.^1^

    If the key is not in that account

    Check these locations:

    • Another person’s Microsoft account: If the retailer, a family member, or somebody else initially configured the PC or enabled BitLocker, the key may be saved to that person’s account.
    • Work or school account: If one was ever connected, open https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey, sign in, select Devices, expand the computer, and select View BitLocker Keys. Contact the organization’s IT department if you cannot view it.
    • USB drive: Connect any USB drive on which the key may have been saved. If it contains a text file, read it on another computer.
    • Printed copy: Check paperwork stored with the computer or other important documents.

    If no key can be found

    The encryption cannot be bypassed, and Microsoft Support cannot retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost recovery key. The remaining option is to reset or reinstall Windows using a Windows recovery option; this removes all files currently stored on the encrypted drive.^1^

    If the computer was sold as new but someone at the store configured it before delivery, contact the retailer before resetting it; the key could be associated with the account used during that setup.

    References

    1. Find your BitLocker recovery key | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Estrella721 47,570 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-03T01:36:16.72+00:00

    Hi,

    Did you purchase the device used or brand-new?

    Do you remember setting up BitLocker yourself?

    The BitLocker recovery key can be found in the Microsoft account used to set it up, whether it is a personal Microsoft account or a work or school account.

    Personal Microsoft account:

    https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

    Work or school account:

    https://aka.ms/aadrecoverykey

    If you did not set up BitLocker on your computer yourself, it is most likely that it was enabled by default by the manufacturer or by the person who initially set up your computer.

    Unfortunately, only the person who set up BitLocker can access the recovery key for security reasons. Even Microsoft Support does not have access to it.

    If you cannot find the recovery key, I’m sorry, but there is no way to bypass BitLocker. In this situation, formatting the hard drive and performing a clean installation of the Windows OS will be necessary. Please note that this process will result in data loss.

    Find an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB of space and a working computer, then follow the steps below:

    1. Click this link: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

    Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), Click on "Download tool now."

    1. Run the tool, create a bootable USB drive or ISO file, and deselect the 'Use the recommended options for this PC' box to choose the correct language and edition.

    Once the process is done:

    1. Connect the installation media to your PC.
    2. Start your PC and press any key to continue. Click Next > Click Install Now.
    3. When the Windows Setup starts, follow the on-screen instructions.

    Note: If prompted for a product key, click 'I do not have a product key' and then click Next.

    Make sure you install the same edition of Windows 11 (Home or Pro) that you previously had installed to avoid activation issues.

    For a step-by-step guide with illustrations, click the link below and scroll down to the 'Steps to reinstall Windows with media' section, then expand the 'Clean install' option:

    https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

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  3. Bulldog 5,520 Reputation points
    2026-11-03T02:49:28.4+00:00

    If you purchased the computer brand new - never previously used:

    Windows automatically stored your BitLocker recovery key in the Microsoft account that you used to setup the computer.

    If the computer had been previously used when you bought it:

    You will never be able to retrieve the BitLocker recovery key for that computer.

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