Windows 10: BitLocker Key Does not work, how can I access my computer?

I cannot reach the OS. My display is locked on the BitLocker Recovery screen and requests my BitLocker key because the Secure Boot policy has been unexpectedly changed. My encryption key that worked previously does not work now. I have not been able to access my key or any help on the Microsoft website help or in MY Account, nor from three different help numbers I have tried.

:)

 

Bitlocker

Hello Nandana,

To enable BitLocker on your computer, you follow the steps below:

• Sign in to your Windows account with an administrator access.
• Press the Windows key.
• Type and enter BitLocker.
• Click Turn on BitLocker.
• If the system is asking to sing in to administrator access, please do so.

For additional information about BitLocker, we suggest that you check the frequently ask question on this
link. The link provided applies to Windows 8.1 to higher version.

If you have other concerns, don't hesitate to reach us.

 

Recorded BitLocker Key / Swapped Drive / Permanently lost BitLocker Key?

The gist: Lenovo support recommended a drive swap (from corporate computer with broken screen to temporary one). Initially, the BitLocker key worked and now it fails. IT told me it cannot be salvaged.

Computers: Corporate Windows Lenovo ThinkPad P15 Gen2's and we use "Intune."

Steps:

1. I'm instructed by IT & Lenovo to send my computer in for repairs seemingly unrelated to the hard drive (monitor completely black with power on). Lenovo warns "ANY" repair can destroy all data and recommends a drive swap. Confirm with 3 Lenovo representatives this is okay for relative novice.
   
2. Record BitLocker key and perform the swap.
   
3. Restart temp computer, input key on blue screen and everything's good but Microsoft Teams.
   
4. Repeat step 3.
   
5. Restart temp computer, input key on blue screen and Teams works.
   
6. Restart temp computer and BitLocker no longer accepts the key.
   
7. Lenovo sends back fixed computer. Install original SSD. Screen is fixed, but BitLocker no longer accepts the key.
   
8. My Account shows two devices -- with the same name -- associated to me. The "Inactive" one has my recorded key. The "Active" one says, "No BitLocker recovery key found for this device."
   
9. IT says BitLocker keys should rotate when doing what I did. Initially, they failed to rotate -- the reason why steps 3 - 5 "worked." Then, the rotation happened -- step 6 -- but the new BitLocker key wasn't saved anywhere. I am currently assuming they would have checked something like the Azure Active Directory.
   
10. Part of me doesn't believe the BitLocker key couldn't have been saved anywhere. I know what I did isn't typical for an employee, but still there have to be a lot of drive swaps in the world -- saving BitLocker keys can't be this fragile.
    

I know this is long and appreciate any assistance. Have a good year in any event.

Sincerely,

Tim

 

Can't locate the bitlocker key

Hi Chris,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft community forums.

I understand that it can be difficult when your own computer is inaccessible due to some changes that could have happened. However, let's try a few troubleshooting steps and see if we can access the drive.

• Are you aware of any changes that happened on the computer prior to this issue?
  
• Did you setup a BitLocker on your device before?
  

If you’ve not setup the BitLocker and it’s still prompting for the key, you may try to locate the BitLocker key on your Microsoft account, which will help you access the drive. Refer

Find my BitLocker recovery key to know how to find the BitLocker recovery key.

If no recovery key is found, you may enable the secure boot setting from BIOS and check if you can access the drive. Follow the steps listed below to enable
secure boot.

• Power off the device and then power it on.
  
• Look for a message on the boot screen just before or after the manufacturer logo appears. You may need to press the
  ‘F1’,’F2’, or
  ‘Delete’ button, whatever key is indicated on the boot screen to enter BIOS Settings.
  
• Within BIOS, choose the tab ‘BOOT’.
  

Note:
Depending on the BIOS manufacturer this page could be
BOOT, ADVANCED, STARTUP etc.

• Look for a setting called
  ‘UEFI Secure Boot’ and toggle the Secure Boot setting to
  ‘Enabled’.
  

Note:
Each BIOS could have a different name for
UEFI Secure Boot.
These are the keywords to look for:
‘UEFI’, ‘Secure Boot’,‘Legacy Boot’.

• Restart the machine now to see if you can access the drive.
  

Note:

Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the
configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

If you still can’t access the drive, I suggest you to post your query in the

TechNet forums. Our support professionals, equipped with knowledge on BitLocker, will help you further.

Regards,