Find Your BitLocker Recovery Key

Overview

If your Windows computer displays a blue BitLocker Recovery screen instead of the normal Windows sign-in screen, it means Windows needs a recovery key to unlock your encrypted drive.

BitLocker is a security feature that protects the information stored on your computer. Windows may request a recovery key after certain updates, hardware changes, or changes to security settings.

Important: Do not reset, reinstall Windows, or erase your computer. Doing so could result in data loss.

What You May See

The BitLocker Recovery screen typically displays:

  • A request to enter a recovery key.
  • A Recovery Key ID.
  • A field for entering a 48-digit recovery key.

Cedar Crest-Issued Computers

If you received your laptop through the Laptop for Learners program or use another Cedar Crest-managed Windows computer, your recovery key may be stored in the College's Microsoft management system.

What to Do

  1. Leave your computer on the BitLocker Recovery screen.
  2. Locate the Recovery Key ID displayed on the screen.
  3. Write down the Recovery Key ID or take a clear photo of the screen.
  4. Submit an IT Support Request from another device.
  5. Include your computer's Recovery Key ID and explain that your computer is requesting a BitLocker recovery key.
  6. IT Support will verify your identity and determine whether the recovery key is available.
  7. Follow the instructions provided by IT Support to unlock your computer.

Security reminder: Never share your 48-digit recovery key publicly. Treat it as sensitive security information.

Personally Owned Windows Computers

If your computer is personally owned, your recovery key may be stored in the Microsoft account used when the device was originally configured.

  1. From another device, visit Microsoft's BitLocker recovery key page.
  2. Sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your computer.
  3. Locate the recovery key matching the Recovery Key ID displayed on your computer.
  4. Enter the corresponding 48-digit key.

For additional information, visit Find your BitLocker recovery key in Windows.

Cedar Crest IT may not have access to recovery keys for personally owned computers.

Still Having Trouble?

If your recovery key is accepted but Windows continues requesting it, or your computer will not start, submit an IT Support Request.

Include the Recovery Key ID, computer model, and a description of what happens after entering the key.

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