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

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