Bitlocker recovery key is not working, how to fix Bitlocker error

If your BitLocker recovery key is not working and you are repeatedly returned to the BitLocker recovery screen, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Verify the Recovery Key: Ensure that you are entering the correct 48-digit recovery key. Double-check for any typing errors or misreads.
2. Check for FIPS Compliance: If your system has the FIPS compliant policy enabled, it may prevent the recovery password from being accepted. You can disable this policy by following these steps:
   • Open the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Start menu.
   • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
   • Find the setting System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing and disable it.
3. Use the BitLocker Repair Tool: If the recovery key still does not work, you can try using the BitLocker Repair tool (repair-bde.exe). This tool can help recover encrypted data from severely damaged drives. It is recommended to use this tool if:
   • The drive is encrypted using BitLocker.
   • Windows doesn't start or the BitLocker recovery screen doesn't start.
   • There is no backup copy of the data contained on the encrypted drive.
4. Access Recovery Keys from Microsoft Entra ID: If your recovery keys are stored in Microsoft Entra ID, you can access them by visiting https://myaccount.microsoft.com and selecting the Devices tab to view your BitLocker keys.
5. Seek Help from IT Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your IT support or helpdesk for further assistance.

Following these steps should help you address the BitLocker recovery key issue you are experiencing.

Dear Raguraman S,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

I recognize that encountering a persistent BitLocker recovery cycle, despite providing the valid 48-digit credential, is a significant workflow interruption. This behavior typically indicates that the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is struggling to validate the system state after the key is accepted, causing the system to revert to a locked state for protection.

Since you possess the correct recovery key, we can utilize the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) command line to manually unlock the drive and temporarily suspend the verification mechanisms to break this loop. Please follow these steps:

1. Accessing the Command Prompt:
   • On the BitLocker recovery screen, if there is an option to "Skip this drive" or "Advanced repair options", select it. If these are not visible, force the device to shut down and power it on. Repeat this 3 times to trigger the Automatic Repair environment.
   • Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
   • You may be asked to select your account and enter your password.
2. Manually unlocking the drive:
   • Check the status of your drives to confirm the volume letter (usually C: or D:). Type the following and press Enter: manage-bde -status
   • Look for the volume where "Conversion Status" is "Encrypted". We will assume it is C: for these steps.
   • Unlock the drive manually using your 48-digit key. Type the following command (replace the X's with your actual key) and press Enter: manage-bde -unlock C: -rp XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX
   • If the output says "The command has been successfully completed," the drive is now accessible.
3. Suspending BitLocker protectors:
   • Type the following command and press Enter: manage-bde -protectors -disable C:
   • You should see a message stating "Key protection is disabled."
   • Type exit and press Enter to close the Command Prompt.
   • Select Continue to boot into Windows.
4. Re-enabling protection:
   • Type "Manage BitLocker" in the Start menu search bar and open the control panel.
   • You will likely see the drive status as "Suspended".
   • Select "Resume protection".

I hope these steps could help. If you have any further issues, I'm here to assist.

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Hi Raguraman S,

I haven't received the message from you yet. 

Please let me know if these steps I provided could help.

If there is anything more that I can do for you or if anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,