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How to Locate the BitLocker Recovery Key in Your Microsoft Account

Summary: Your Microsoft Account (MSA) can be accessed to locate a BitLocker recovery key by following these instructions.

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Instructions

Note:
  • This article applies to devices that are not domain-joined. If you use login credentials from work or school, contact the help desk of your organization for assistance in obtaining the BitLocker recovery key.)
  • For more information, go to Microsoft’s YouTube video "How to find your BitLocker recovery keyThis hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.."

Accessing the Microsoft Account recovery keys

  1. Open a web browser and go to https://account.microsoft.com/account This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies..
  2. Click Sign in and then enter the email address of your MSA.
  3. Scroll down to Devices and then click View details for the device requesting the recovery key.

Microsoft account desktop view
Figure 1: Microsoft account desktop view

Microsoft account mobile device view
Figure 2: Microsoft account mobile device view

  1. Click Manage recovery keys.

Device Details and Manage recovery keys option
Figure 3: Device Details and Manage recovery keys option

Note: Microsoft again asks you to log in to your MSA. Follow the prompts to log in.

Selecting the Recovery Key:

The BitLocker Recovery screen shows you which recovery key is required.

BitLocker Recovery screen
Figure 4: BitLocker Recovery screen

This is important when you have multiple computers or your computer has multiple encrypted drives.

Reference the Key ID from the BitLocker recovery event screen (Figure 4) to locate the appropriate recovery key.

BitLocker Recovery keys
Figure 5: BitLocker Recovery keys

Note: Depending on the drive configuration, a computer can show multiple drives if the user chooses to encrypt additional drives.
  • OSV = Operating System Volume
  • FDV = Fixed Disk Volume (secondary disk drive)
  • RDV = Removable Disk Volume (USB Key)

Enter the recovery key from Figure 5 and then press Enter. The computer continues booting to the Windows desktop.

BitLocker Recovery screen with recovery key
Figure 6: BitLocker Recovery screen with recovery key

Additional Information

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Check these resources on Microsoft's support website.

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Last Published Date

02 Jan 2024

Version

3

Article Type

How To