Windows 10: Can’t Wipe computer with BitLocker, I have the key but no admin credentials

Just joined a new company and I have a stack of laptops from ex-employees. Each laptop is signed into by the user’s work Microsoft account. This stack is old and all the Microsoft accounts are deleted from the admin portal. There are no domain or local admin accounts. If I sign in with my Microsoft account it says it needs elevated access. Decided to just wipe it, made a Windows 11 bootable USB. Went to try and all the laptops have BitLocker enabled. BitLocker does not allow for the drive to be wiped from the Windows setup. I have the BitLocker key saved for the device, but no where to enter i

:)

 

Nonexistent Bitlocker key + won't wipe

Hello and thank you.

I had no idea Bitlocker was on my laptop until it Bitlocked me out. The laptop is listed as one of my devices on my Microsoft account nonetheless my account shows zero Bitlocker keys. I resigned myself to wiping the computer back to factory settings today, but after asking how I want to install Windows, cloud or local (cloud I assume because I don't know what else I'd use) I get taken back to Bitlocker and asked for that miserable phantom key.

I have no idea why Bitlocker activated. I used the Dell housekeeping tool to check on everything the evening before and was prompted to do a BIOS update. For that I turned my laptop into an expensive paperweight?

May wiser minds than mine lead the way.

 

BitLocker Key

There may be a software that triggered the BitLocker in your Windows 10 PC. To assist you better, we suggest that you check these articles for further information:

• Find my BitLocker recovery key.
• BitLocker recovery keys: Frequently asked questions.

• BitLocker

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

bitlocker recovery key

Hi Singh,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

In order to get clarity on this issue and assist you with appropriate troubleshooting steps, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

1. Are you not able login to your computer due to BitLocker Recovery Key?
2. Did you ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key on your computer?
3. Are you not able to login to your Microsoft Account to find the BitLocker Recovery Key?
4. Are you using Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional?

Meanwhile, try finding BitLocker Recovery Key if you have ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key for your computer.

Please elaborate on the issue, so that we can understand the concern and get back to us to help you further.