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Bitlocker (Bug)Screen - no keys no factory reset option

Todd Cooper 0 Reputation points
2025-11-17T20:56:08.3533333+00:00

I opened my computer a couple weeks ago to find the Bitlocker (Bug) screen. I do not have a recovery key on my account, nor does my place of business use the keys. The computer will not even let me do a factory reset with or without saving files. At this point my Dell laptop is not usable and a loss of any non-stored files. I have understood Microsoft knows about this issue. How can reset my computer and get all needed personal files.

Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Identity Manager

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Recovery key
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  1. Harry Phan 9,910 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-18T01:20:10.8566667+00:00

    Hello Todd Cooper

    BitLocker is a security feature designed to protect data, and unfortunately, if the recovery key is not available in your Microsoft account or provided by your organization, there is no supported way to bypass it to regain access to the encrypted files. This means that personal files stored only on the locked drive cannot be recovered without the recovery key.

    What you can do is reset or reinstall Windows by creating installation media (USB/DVD) using the [Windows Installation Media Tool](https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

    ). Booting from this media will allow you to perform a clean installation of Windows 10, which will restore your laptop to a usable state, though it will not unlock the encrypted files. Going forward, I recommend ensuring BitLocker recovery keys are backed up to your Microsoft account or another secure location to avoid this scenario.

    I understand this is frustrating, but the encryption is working as designed to protect data from unauthorized access. If you found this explanation helpful, please click “Accept Answer” so others can benefit too 🙂.

    Harry.

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