BitLocker recovery screen

BitLocker is encryption that protects your files. A recovery screen asks for a 48-digit key, usually after a hardware change, a BIOS update or a failed update.

We don't hold BitLocker keys. The key is saved to the Microsoft account that was signed in when encryption was turned on.

1. On another device, go to Find your BitLocker recovery key and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
2. Match the Key ID on the screen to the key in your account, then type the recovery key.
3. Once in Windows, back up the key again.

If the screen appears the first time you turn the computer on, before you've signed in, the unit wasn't prepared correctly. Send us a photo of the screen, including the Key ID, and we'll arrange a replacement.

Lost the key? The only fix is a full reset, which erases your files.