Fix BitLocker that will not decrypt
We'll find and enter the recovery key, try the password, or get the key from IT—or tell you when to call support.
What you'll need
- Recovery key (from Microsoft account or backup)
- Another device to look up the key (if needed)
Step-by-step diagnostic
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Steps
Goal: Find and enter the BitLocker recovery key, or get it from IT.
- Check if BitLocker is asking for a recovery key or password.
- Good: BitLocker prompts for the key or password—get the key and enter it. Proceed to Get recovery key.
- Bad: Different problem—see boot or driver guides.
Get recovery key
Goal: Find the BitLocker recovery key.
- On another device, go to account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey. Sign in with the same Microsoft account.
- Find the key for the affected PC. For work or school PCs, contact IT.
- Check your backup or printout if you saved the key when you enabled BitLocker.
- Good: You have the key. Proceed to Enter key.
- Bad: No key—contact IT for work PCs, or Microsoft support for personal accounts.
Enter key
Goal: Enter the recovery key and decrypt the drive.
- On the BitLocker screen, type the 48-digit key. With or without dashes is fine. Press Enter.
- If you set a password, try it first. If it fails, use the recovery key.
- Good: Windows decrypts and boots. BitLocker will re-bind to the TPM.
- Bad: The key does not work—confirm you have the key for this drive. If yes and it still fails, call support.
When to get help
Contact the PC manufacturer or IT if:
- You do not have the recovery key.
- The key does not work after several tries.
- The drive is work-managed and IT cannot provide the key.
Verification
- Windows boots after entering the recovery key.
- BitLocker is enabled and the drive is protected.
- No repeated prompts for the key.
Escalation ladder
Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.
- Get recovery key account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey or backup.
- Enter key Type 48-digit key on BitLocker screen.
- Contact IT Work or school PCs—IT has the key.
- Call support No key or key does not work.
What to capture if you need help
Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.
- PC model and account type (personal or work)
- Whether you have the recovery key
- Whether password was set
Does BitLocker ask for a recovery key or password?
Blue screen with a field for the key or password.
Check the screen. BitLocker may ask for your password or the 48-digit recovery key. Yes: try the password first, then the key. No: different problem—see boot or driver guides.
You can change your answer later.
Do you have the recovery key?
Key is at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey or in your backup.
Get the key from your Microsoft account or backup. For work PCs, contact IT. Yes: enter it on the BitLocker screen. No: contact IT or Microsoft—without the key, the drive may not decrypt.
You can change your answer later.
Enter the key
Type the 48-digit key (with or without dashes). Press Enter. Windows should decrypt and boot. If the key fails, confirm you have the key for this drive.
Call support
Contact the PC manufacturer or IT. Without the recovery key, the drive may not decrypt.
Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas
Frequently asked questions
- Why would BitLocker not decrypt?
- Wrong password, TPM firmware update, hardware change, or BIOS change can invalidate the TPM-stored key. BitLocker then asks for the recovery key. Without it, the drive stays locked.
- Can I fix BitLocker that will not decrypt myself?
- Yes, if you have the recovery key. Get it from your Microsoft account or backup. Enter it when prompted. For work PCs, contact IT.
- When should I call support for BitLocker?
- If you do not have the recovery key, the key does not work, or the drive is work-managed. Provide PC model and whether you have a Microsoft or work account.
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