The Windows 11 laptop at work now requests the BitLocker encryption key following a system update.
The Windows 11 laptop at work now requests the BitLocker encryption key following a system update.
Three simple methods to skip the account—Upgrade to a previous Windows 10 version, use an old Windows 11 Pro build, or try the provided password trick with "[email protected]".
You can find these recovery options directly on Microsoft's website when logged into your account. They never email these keys to you, according to their policies. During initial encryption, you typically receive choices such as saving a file with a recovery key or storing it in your Microsoft account. Without access to both the device key and a recovery key, your data becomes permanently inaccessible.
I definitely install BitLocker on all my work devices but also use it at home. Whenever I update the UEFI or swap GPUs and forget to enable 'bypass', I have to enter this key. The process has shifted a bit over the past year, requiring several adjustments, but the link below the key field should function properly. I've experienced this myself. Typically, I create a separate admin account and set its password manually to avoid using recovery options. On factory Windows 11 machines, I always use an ISO, even commercial ones, which often come with random social media apps pre-installed. Next time I set up a new Win11 machine, I'll need to try again since the 'that didn't work' option stopped working with previous email addresses.
I'm not clear on all the specifics of your conversation, but I didn't get any special updates for the old Hotmail account. I also don't recall being asked about BitLocker before the laptop restarted. It looks like you might have to start fresh and adjust everything again... ugh, Windows!
I just looked at another laptop at work that's using Win11 Home from the factory. It has BitLocker turned on on the C: drive. I want to turn it off, but I don’t know where to start. Tutorials suggest using "manage BitLocker" in the Start menu or "System and Security" in the control panel, but neither of those options are available here. The only tool listed is for backing up a recovery key, not for disabling BitLocker.
The system reports an issue with the Microsoft account and initiates a local setup. I think alternative email formats might trigger similar safeguards, as they appear generic or commonly used.