Bypass BitLocker When Recovery Key Loop Fails in Windows
Summary: BitLocker recovery key not working or failed to unlock with this recovery key? Learn how to bypass BitLocker and unlock it from Command Prompt when stuck on the recovery blue screen.
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This article is not tied to any specific product.
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Instructions
BitLocker may fail to unlock when the key is entered. When the key is entered (even when registered in Active Directory), BitLocker reports the key was accepted and the unlock was successful, but then prompts you to reenter the key again. This behavior then loops.
Work around To Unlock
To terminate this BitLocker recovery loop, BitLocker must be suspended from within WinRE. To do so, follow these steps:
- On the page where you are asked to enter the recovery key, select the Skip this drive link at the bottom. You should be presented with a menu that lets you get to a command prompt. The sequence is Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command prompt.
- In the command prompt, use the following command to check the BitLocker status of the C: Drive:
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manage-bde -status c:
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- If the status is returned as locked, you must use the following command to unlock it using your recovery password:
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manage-bde -unlock c: -rp your 48-digit recovery password
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- Once the drive is unlocked, you must use the following command to suspend protection:
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manage-bde -protectors -disable c:
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- Exit and reboot.
- The computer should now successfully boot Windows. Once there, use the BitLocker control panel to resume BitLocker protection.
NOTE: Also, see the Dell KB article BitLocker is prompting for a Recovery key and you do not have the BitLocker key.
Helpful Links
- See How to troubleshoot and resolve Fingerprint Reader and Security Software issues for additional information regarding Dell security.
- Detailed instructions on How to use the Dell Support Site to identify and install the drivers for your Dell PC.
- BitLocker is Prompting for a Recovery Key, and You Cannot Locate the Key
- Automatic Windows Device Encryption or BitLocker on Dell Computers
- BitLocker Asks for a Recovery Key Every Boot on USB-C or Thunderbolt Computers When Docked or Undocked
- BitLocker fails to turn on or prompts for the Recovery Key rebooting with Windows 10, UEFI, and the TPM 1.2 Firmware
- If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact Dell Technical Support for assistance.
Additional Information
Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.
NOTE: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, China, and Japan personal computer customers. Server and Storage not applicable.
Affected Products
Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware
, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250
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Article Properties
Article Number: 000130549
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 24 Apr 2025
Version: 12
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