Symptoms
- Drive asks for a BitLocker password or recovery key that isn't accepted
- 'This drive is locked' message when connecting the drive
- Recovery key ID is shown but you don't have the matching key saved
- Drive was encrypted on a different computer or by someone else
Likely causes
- CommonForgotten or mistyped BitLocker passwordPassword managers or saved credentials can help recall it.
- CommonRecovery key was never saved or backed up anywhere accessibleMicrosoft strongly recommends saving it to a Microsoft account, USB drive, or printout at setup.
- PossibleDrive was encrypted under a Microsoft account you no longer have access toThe recovery key may be retrievable by signing into that account online.
- PossibleTPM or hardware changes triggering a recovery key prompt on the original PCThis can happen after a motherboard change or firmware update.
What to do
- Try any passwords you may have used, including variations.
- Check https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey while signed into the Microsoft account that may have been used when the drive was encrypted.
- Search for a printed recovery key, a saved text file, or a USB drive labeled with the key from when the drive was set up.
- Check your organization's IT department if this is a work computer or drive, since they often store recovery keys centrally.
- If truly no recovery key or password can be found, there's no supported way to bypass BitLocker; the data is unrecoverable through normal means.
- For future drives, save the recovery key to your Microsoft account, a printout, and a separate USB drive right when encryption is turned on.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.