Microsoft introduced the first version of Windows, Windows 1.01, in 1985, and it has become extremely popular since then, almost unbeatable. As time went on, we saw many upgrades in Windows, and Windows 11, 24H2, was the latest one. It is the best OS not only because of Windows’ user-friendly interface but also because it has multitasking capabilities and aggressive data protection that meets compliance requirements. Today, Windows uses many features like data recovery and inventory, encryption, and data erasure.

One such feature is BitLocker, which utilizes data encryption to protect data. BitLocker is a great security function that allows access to data only after receiving the correct BitLocker recovery key ID. However, it is available in only a few Windows versions, so many people don’t know about it. Don’t worry; here is a detailed blog sharing all the information about BitLocker, including its key ID, BitLocker recovery process, etc. 

First, let’s learn what a BitLocker is, and then we will move on to other sections of the blog and gain more information about the things you can do to ensure you find your BitLocker recovery key. 

What Is A BitLocker? 

BitLocker is a full disk encryption feature available in Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7, Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 8 and 8.1, etc. It encrypts data by ciphering the whole hard drive, including system files. This way, BitLocker prevents unwanted data access and ensures safety. BitLocker is mostly used in business but can also be used by people to bolster the security of their PCs in their daily lives. 

We have learned about BitLocker. Now, let's check out the section below to learn what a BitLocker recovery key ID is.

What Is A BitLocker Recovery Key ID?

A Windows BitLocker key is a unique 48-digit password. If your BitLocker is unable to confirm that the attempt to access the system is authorized, this BitLocker key can unlock it. The BitLocker key ID is issued during the installation of the BitLocker. Users can generally store the Windows BitLocker key on a USB flash drive and then plug in the flash drive when they need to use the key. 

Even after learning about BitLocker and BitLocker keys, it’s important to understand why the computer asks for a BitLocker Recovery key ID. 

Why Does The Computer Ask For A BitLocker Recovery Key?

Your system can ask for the BitLocker recovery key ID for several reasons. It could be because the system’s hardware has been changed, the software has been updated, the BIOS has been changed, or a system glitch has occurred. In such situations, you must remember the BitLocker key ID to access your system.

The following is the most important section of this blog. Here, we will learn methods to find the BitLocker recovery Key ID.

How To Find The BitLocker Recovery Key?

As mentioned before, the BitLocker key ID is a 48-digit password, so it’s no surprise that people tend to forget it. You can store the key in a USB flash drive. However, if you lost the drive, you lost the recovery key of BitLocker, too. In this scenario, you must know how to recover the Windows BitLocker key ID. Keep reading to learn about BitLocker key recovery options. 

Find The BitLocker Recovery Key Using The Microsoft Account

If you set up your device and turn on BitLocker yourself, then the BitLocker recovery key will be in your Microsoft account. So, using your Microsoft account is the first method among the BitLocker key recovery options. Follow the steps below to recover the BitLocker key ID. 

• First of all, open a web browser on any of your devices.
• Type https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
• Enter your Microsoft ID and visit the page.
• You will find the BitLocker recovery key ID there.

If someone else set up your system and activated BitLocker, you will find the lost recovery key in their Microsoft account.

Find The BitLocker Recovery Key Using The Powershell

Powershell is a cross-platform tool in Windows that helps us automate tasks, manage configurations, and write scripts. If you have somehow lost the BitLocker key, Powershell is the second among the BitLocker key recovery options.

• Press Windows+X and select Windows Powershell.
• In the Powershell Window, type (Get-BitLockerVolume) and press enter.
• Find the drive requiring the BitLocker recovery key.
• Note the Volume Type and Mount Point values associated with this drive.
• Replace the given MountPoint with the actual Mount Point of the drive using the command (Get-BitLockerVolume-Mountpoint <Mount Point> . keyprotector).
• Press the enter button to see the lost recovery key with the drive.

Find The BitLocker Recovery Key Offline

If your internet connection isn’t working, you can also recover the Windows BitLocker key offline. This is the third and final method among the BitLocker key recovery options. 

• Bring it out if you have ever printed or saved a copy of your BitLocker recovery key ID.
• If you don't have a printed copy, check your emails, text files, or even photographs, which may contain the lost recovery key.
• If you have saved the key ID on a USB drive, insert it into your PC and look for files containing the recovery key.
• If you are a working professional, your system administrator must have a record of the BitLocker key ID. 

You have learned the BitLocker recovery process. But what if you can not find your BitLocker recovery key even after utilizing all the above-mentioned steps? Are you confused? Then, keep reading the blog to find the solution. 

What If You Can’t Find The BitLocker Recovery Key?

You can opt for two things if you fail to find the Windows BitLocker key ID even after utilizing the steps given in the blog. Keep following the blog to find out what you can do:

1. Check Out Other Recovery Options

More often than not, people link their Microsoft account to multiple devices, which may also be the case with you. If you have a single Microsoft account linked to multiple devices, check them out for a recovery key. Sometimes, we don’t remember, but such devices can store our  Bitloker recovery key. So they can help with the BitLocker recovery process. 

2. Use Data Recovery Services

It rarely happens, but sometimes, all the BitLocker key recovery options fail. If you face this situation, consider utilizing professional data recovery services. These services specialize in retrieving data from encrypted drives and can help you recover your lost recovery key ID.

We have learned how to find a BitLocker recovery key. But what if you already have one, and it’s invalid? To avoid this case, you must verify the key ID. But how to do so?  Find out in the following section.

How To Verify A BitLocker Recovery Key?

To verify the Windows BitLocker Key ID, you need to follow some steps. Below are steps that you need to follow to verify your BitLocker key ID. 

• Open the BitLocker recovery verification tool by entering the “recovery key” into the Windows search box.
• Choose “Verify BitLocker key”
• Enter the 48-digit recovery key and click on verify.
• After completing the process, the tool will show whether the recovery key is valid.

We have almost finished the blog, and the next section is about how to store your BitLocker key. 

Best Practices To Store Your BitLocker Recovery Key 

There are three methods to store your BitLocker recovery key ID. Keep reading to learn these methods and store your BitLocker key ID.

1. Print Copies

The first method is to print a hard copy of your recovery key ID and store it in a secure location, such as a locked drawer or a deposit box.

2. Utilize A Password Manager 

If you use a password manager, it would be great if you added the recovery key ID to that. Password managers have data encryption and backup features to effectively store sensitive information, including BitLocker recovery key ID. 

3. Opt For Cloud Services

Another solution for storing your recovery key ID is a digital cloud service. You can upload a digital copy of your BitLocker key ID to a cloud storage provider. Ninja One is a great platform for This. 

Retrieving BitLocker Recovery Key ID: Simple Steps To Follow

Data Security will always remain crucial in this ever-evolving digital era. Using easy-to-use security and encryption features, like BitLocker, can effectively protect sensitive data and devices. Some tools, such as MBAM, Manage-bde.exe, BitLocker cmdlets, File Explorer, etc., can help you optimize your BitLocker to leverage the best security possible. If you lost the recovery key of BitLocker by any chance and can’t find it, contact us. We are professionals in this field and will help you recover your BitLocker recovery key in no time at all.

FAQs

How to avoid BitLocker recovery?

Navigate to Troubleshoot, and go to startup settings. Press restart and press the ESC button to avoid BitLocker recovery

Why is the BitLocker Recovery key not typing?

You must be typing in letters. If you are typing in numbers, press the fn+numlock key.

How to unlock BitLocker in CMD

Use the command: manage-dbe-unlock-X:-Password or manage-bde -unlockX:-Recovery Password.

How many attempts does the BitLocker key provide?

It provides only 32 attempts.