Unlocking a BitLocker-protected drive is easy; enter your password. But what if you can’t recall the password you’ve set? If you can’t recall the BitLocker password but want to unlock the drives, you will require the BitLocker Recovery key.
What is BitLocker Recovery Key?
It is a recovery key automatically generated when you enable BitLocker on your system to encrypt the external disk drives or USB drives.
You will need the BitLocker Recovery key while accessing the locked drives. Let’s say you can’t recall your BitLocker password for a drive; you can use the recovery key then to unlock the drive.
You must also need the BitLocker key after resetting Windows or installing a new update.
How to Find BitLocker Recovery Key on Windows 11?
You need an active internet connection to find the BitLocker recovery key on Windows 11.
1. Open your favorite web browser and visit the Microsoft Account Login page.
2. Enter the Microsoft Account credentials used on your Windows 11 device.
3. Scroll down to the Devices section and click on the View Details below your PC name.
4. Click on the Manage recovery keys link on the BitLocker Data Protection.
5. You will be asked to verify your identity. Verify your identity to reach this screen.
6. On this screen, you will see all your encrypted drives, Key ID, and Recovery Key.
7. Copy down the 48-digit recovery key so that you can use it to gain access to your computer.
How to Back Up BitLocker Recovery Key?
Other than saving the BitLocker Recovery key to the Microsoft Account, you have two other options for backup: save it as a file or print the recovery key.
1. Backup BitLocker Recovery Key on a Text File
Here’s how you can save the BitLocker Recovery Key as a text file on Windows 11.
1. Click on Windows 11 search and type ‘BitLocker’. Next, open the Manage BitLocker.
2. Expand the BitLocker-encrypted drive.
3. On the right side of the drive, click on the Back up your recovery key link.
4. On the How do you want to back up your recovery key? Window, select Save to a file.
5. Name the new file as the BitLocker key and click Save.
2. Print the Recovery Key
The next remaining option to back up your recovery key is to take a printout. You can print the BitLocker recovery key and keep it in a safe place.
1. Click on Windows 11 search and type ‘BitLocker’. Open the Manage BitLocker option from the list of available results.
2. Expand the BitLocker-encrypted drive.
3. Click on the Back up your recovery key link.
4. On the How do you want to back up your recovery key? Window, select Print the recovery key.
5. Select your Printer and click on Print.
6. If you don’t have a printer, select Microsoft Print to PDF on the Printer.
Also Read: How to Install Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account
If you use BitLocker to encrypt your drive, make sure to keep the BitLocker recovery key with you. Microsoft may ask you to enter the recovery key regularly to confirm it’s you accessing the device. If you need more help finding the BitLocker recovery key, let us know in the comments below.
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