BitLocker recovery key saved my PC after an update locked me out. Here’s how I used the recovery key from my Microsoft account to unlock encrypted drives.

To unlock BitLocker using your Recovery Key ID (48-digit numeric key), enter the full key without dashes or spaces at the BitLocker recovery screen after rebooting your locked device; if valid ...

2] Search for the recovery key During BitLocker’s initial configuration, users are prompted to select a destination for the recovery key.

To fix the “Cannot install Windows, BitLocker Drive Encryption is enabled on selected partition” error, suspend BitLocker via Settings or Control Panel, or use your recovery key to unlock the ...

Microsoft has released out-of-band updates to fix a known issue causing Windows 10 systems to boot into BitLocker recovery after installing the May 2025 security updates.

Microsoft has confirmed that some Windows 10 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 systems will boot into BitLocker recovery after installing the May 2025 security updates.