Why is my computer asking for a BitLocker recovery key, and how do I find it?

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Your computer may ask for a BitLocker recovery key after a hardware change or security check. This is normal and helps keep your data safe. Follow the instructions below to find your recovery key. 

  1. On the recovery screen, write down the first 8 digits of the Recovery Key ID
  2. On a mobile device, go to: https://myaccount.microsoft.com/device-list
  3. Sign in with your Northwood email and password
  4. Find your device and expand it
  5. Make sure the Device Object ID matches the first 8 digits you wrote down from step 1
  6. Click View BitLocker Keys
  7. Enter the 48-digit recovery key on your locked computer

bitlockerscreen

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Article ID: 169994
Created
Tue 4/28/26 1:10 PM
Modified
Thu 4/30/26 2:11 PM