Fix: BitLocker password and recovery key not working

Updated By

Linda 

Authored By

Sherly 

Last Updated on April 22, 2024

Having issues with a BitLocker password or recovery key can be frustrating, as it prevents you from accessing your data. In this guide, we'll walk you through troubleshooting BitLocker password and recovery key problems. If you encounter this issue, consider formatting the BitLocker drive as the quickest solution.

However, bear in mind that formatting will result in data loss. If the data on your drive isn't crucial, formatting might be the quickest way forward. But if your BitLocker drive holds important information, it's recommended to opt for a manual method that preserves your key details while addressing issues with the password or recovery key./Tools explore such alternatives.

Remove BitLocker Format Solution

tools Partition Master Free offers a user-friendly "Format" feature that provides an efficient solution for removing BitLocker encryption. With just a few clicks, this tool streamlines the process, allowing users to quickly remove BitLocker encryption from a drive. By using the "Format" function of Partition Master, you can bypass the complexity of manually dealing with BitLocker passwords or recovery keys. The software simplifies this process into an intuitive and straightforward operation.

The software's interface and features are optimized for users looking for a convenient and efficient solution to their inaccessible BitLocker password and recovery key issues. Moreover, Partition Master also serves as a comprehensive disk management tool, offering functionalities such as disk cloning, merging, and conversion.

Here's how to resolve issues with BitLocker password and recovery key not working using the Partition Master tool:

Step 1: Run AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the hard drive partition you want to format and choose "Format".

Step 2: In the new window, set the "Volume Label," "File System" (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT) and "Cluster Size" for the partition to be formatted, then click "OK".

Step 3: You'll see a warning; click “Yes” to proceed.

4. Click “Perform 1 Task” to check the changes, and then click “Apply” to start formatting the hard drive partition.

Take the first step to solving your BitLocker password or recovery key issues by downloading the tool Partition Master. Then, easily wipe out BitLocker encryption with its intuitive “Format” feature.

BitLocker Password and Recovery Key Not Working – How to Fix It Manually

When users forget their BitLocker password and the recovery key is not accessible, frustration sets in, making it crucial to find an effective solution. In this guide, we will present five methods to help you regain access to your encrypted drive. By following these methods, you can effectively resolve the issue and restore access to your BitLocker-protected drive:

Solution 1: Try the correct BitLocker password

When encountering issues with a password, attempting the correct BitLocker password is the first step. Carefully check the password for typos or unintentional capitalization. Ensure that the keyboard layout matches the one used when setting the password, especially if a different language or layout was utilized.

Additionally, if the password still isn't working, try using an external keyboard, or check if your current one is having issues. You can also try entering the password on a different computer to confirm its accuracy.

Solved: Unlock BitLocker Without Recovery Key or Password

How to unlock BitLocker drive without recovery key and password? How to access data stored on a BitLocker drive? Learn more in this guide.

Fix 2: Try the correct BitLocker recovery key

If the BitLocker password doesn't unlock the encrypted drive, the next step is to attempt to use the correct BitLocker recovery key. The recovery key is an essential backup mechanism that provides access when the password isn't working.

Retrieve the BitLocker recovery key from where it was saved or stored securely when you set up encryption. Make sure you enter the key correctly, being careful not to mistype characters or confuse numeric digits with letter characters, such as '0' and 'O,' '1' and 'I,' and so on.

If the BitLocker recovery key doesn't help with your issue of BitLocker password and recovery key not working, don't hesitate to seek more solutions. Also, consider sharing this guide if you find it helpful, with those who might be experiencing similar BitLocker password or recovery key issues. Sharing knowledge can help them solve their problems too.

Fix 3: Use the Manage-BDE tool

Using the Manage-BDE (BitLocker Drive Encryption) command-line tool provided by Windows can help resolve issues with BitLocker passwords or recovery keys. The Manage-BDE tool offers advanced control over BitLocker settings, but misuse can lead to data loss or inaccessible drives. Follow these steps to use the Manage-BDE tool effectively: 1. Open Command Prompt: Press `Win + X` and then select "Command Prompt" (if using Windows 10, you can choose "Windows PowerShell" or "Windows Terminal"). 2. Enter the command: In the Command Prompt window, type the appropriate Manage-BDE command based on your needs. Here are some common examples: - View BitLocker status: `manage-bde -status` - Enable BitLocker: `manage-bde -on C:` - Disable BitLocker: `manage-bde -off C:` - Unlock the drive: `manage-bde -unlock C: -password "yourpassword"` - Display the recovery key: `manage-bde -protectors -get C:` - Save the recovery key to a file: `manage-bde -recoverykey C: -backup -path "C:\KeyBackup.txt"` 3. Replace parameters: In the above commands, "C:" is the letter of the drive you want to operate on, and "yourpassword" is your BitLocker password. Replace these parameters according to your actual situation. 4. Run the command: After entering the correct command, press Enter to execute it. The system will perform the corresponding operation based on the command you entered. 5. Caution: When using the Manage-BDE tool, make sure you have permission to access and modify the involved drive, and proceed with caution to avoid data loss. If you encounter issues during the process, consult Microsoft's official documentation or seek professional assistance.

Step 1. First, open the Command Prompt on your computer with administrator privileges. To do this, you can find "Command Prompt" in the Windows search bar and select "Run as administrator."

Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type in the command “manage-bde -unlock D: -RecoveryPassword.” The “D” in the command stands for the drive that is encrypted with BitLocker. Now, input your password or BitLocker recovery key to access the encrypted BitLocker drive.

Figure 2: The BDE command to be executed

Read more:

Solution 4: Use another computer

Accessing the BitLocker-encrypted drive from another computer can sometimes resolve issues with the password or recovery key. Connect the BitLocker-protected drive to another computer using a compatible interface (such as USB, SATA, etc.). Attempt to unlock the drive on the secondary computer using the correct BitLocker password or recovery key. If successful, you'll be able to access the drive through the second computer to retrieve or back up important data.

If you access the drive from another computer, consider backing up your important data. If accessing the BitLocker-encrypted drive from another computer solves the issue with the BitLocker password and recovery key not working, great! Also, if you found this in-depth BitLocker guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends, family, or coworkers. Sharing useful information can help others fix issues with BitLocker passwords or recovery keys.

Fix 5: Reformat via CMD

Using Command Prompt (CMD) to reformat a BitLocker encrypted drive will remove BitLocker, but it will result in data loss. Proceed with caution, and only choose this option if you're prepared to lose the data on your encrypted drive.

Here are the steps to format a BitLocker-protected drive through Command Prompt:

Step 1: To access the "Run" feature on your computer, press "Win + R." Type "cmd" and then use "Ctrl + Shift + Enter" to launch the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.

Step 2. Type “diskpart” and press Enter. Then type “list disk” and press Enter to view the list of available disks. Note the disk number of your BitLocker-encrypted drive.

Step 3. Next, type "select disk X" (replace 'X' with the number associated with your encrypted drive) and hit Enter. Then, run the "clean" command to wipe all information from the designated disk. After that, type "create partition primary" and hit "Enter" to execute the command.

Step 4: Type in “format fs=ntfs quick” and press Enter to format the drive using the NTFS file system quickly. Type “exit” and hit Enter again to close the Command Prompt window.

While CMD offers a solution, using a tool like Partition Master to format a BitLocker drive might be a more user-friendly approach. This third-party utility simplifies the formatting process and ensures an easier experience compared to CMD, especially for users who are not familiar with command-line operations.

The bottom line?

In summary, this guide offers various solutions to address issues with inaccessible BitLocker passwords and recovery keys, aiming to restore access to encrypted drives. From attempting the correct password and recovery key to using Command Prompt and an alternate computer, multiple approaches can tackle these challenges. For a user-friendly and efficient solution, considering utilizing tools like Partition Master can be beneficial.

This third-party tool simplifies the process of removing BitLocker encryption, ensuring an easy-to-navigate solution for users encountering such issues. Its user-friendly interface and features make it a reliable choice for addressing BitLocker problems while preserving data integrity. Considering Partition Master as a practical option allows for a swift and secure handling of issues related to BitLocker.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 10/11 BitLocker Password and Recovery Key Issues

Dealing with issues where your BitLocker password and recovery key aren't working can be challenging, but this guide offers effective solutions. For further clarification on this topic or additional queries, refer to these FAQs for assistance.

What do I do if my BitLocker recovery key isn't working?

Try the correct BitLocker password. Try the correct BitLocker recovery key. Use the Manage-BDE command-line tool. Access the drive from another computer. Format the drive as a last resort.

2. How do I unlock BitLocker when it no longer accepts recovery keys?

To unlock BitLocker when it stops accepting recovery keys, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the BitLocker encrypted partition and choose “Format Partition”.

Step 2. In the new window, assign a label to the partition, choose a file system, and set the cluster size. When you are done, click “OK.” A warning will appear; confirm your choice by clicking “Yes.”

Step 3: Click the “Perform 1 Task” button and then click “Apply.” This will begin formatting the hard drive partition.

3. How can I get around a BitLocker recovery key?

To avoid encountering the BitLocker recovery screen at startup, you can follow these instructions to suspend it:

To do so, open Control Panel, choose BitLocker Drive Encryption, and then click Suspend Protection next to “C:” or Turn Off BitLocker.