How to retrieve BitLocker recovery key with a key ID

I am not the original owner of my surface book and am trying to retrieve my BitLocker recovery key. The BitLocker recovery key is not on my Microsoft account nor is it on the account of the person I got the laptop from.

I have a recovery ID for aka.ms/aadrecoverkey but that site doesn't work either.

I have tried the options from this page but still cannot retrieve the recovery key: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/finding-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-in-windows-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6

Without the recovery key there is no way to access a Bitlocker-protected drive. That's by design. If there were a simple way, anyone could do it, which would defeat the purpose. Also, another thing to think about: This is a public forum, and there is no way of knowing whose drive you're trying to access. In short, Bitlocker has done its job.

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Hi Gene. I'm Greg, an Independent Advisor, Volunteer Moderator and 10 year Windows MVP here to help you.

If Bitlocker is enabled on your hard drive: This may have been done at the factory, which the manufacturer's Support should tell you and provide what you need to know. Here is HP and Dell's explanation of doing this:
https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/XPS-13-9360-...
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06458046
If done since then it should always store the Recovery key that unlocks it in your MS Account.

See here how to find the Recovery key for Bitlocker:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402618...

Try removing or turning off Bitlocker by one of these methods:
https://www.repairwin.com/how-to-remove-bitlock...
https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...
https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

Manual for managing Bitlocker:
https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

If you cannot find the key or turn off Bitlocker then you'll need to try to recover your data by one of the methods shown here:
https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...
https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

If nothing else works then wipe the drive to reinstall WIndows as shown here:
https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...
https://www.translatetheweb.com/?ref=TVert&...

Due to number of similar cases with files lost I would not use Bitlocker. Instead I would periodically drag my User folders to external USB which I keep unplugged to protect against ransomware. Then I would also have a secondary method using the cloud which is fire and theft proof:
You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud where they are safe from fire and theft, or backup your Documents, Pictures and/or Desktop to capture real time changes using OneDrive Backup.
If you install Google Drive, you can use their new Backup to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud.

If you want to report this to Microsoft use the Feedback Hub app in Start Menu where developers are tasked to process consumer feedback. They will not even see it here. This is a tech forums staffed mostly by volunteers trying to help others with your problems.

If you want to post back a Share link from your Feedback here others who see this thread can vote it up and add to it.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

______________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
____________________________
Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020

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Last updated June 4, 2024 Views 4,951 Applies to: