BitLocker Drive Encryption – commonly referred to simply as BitLocker, is a drive/volume encryption feature included in Windows since 2007, and designed to protect your data from unauthorized access.
It can be activated through a variety of methods, and the latest versions of Windows may auto enable BitLocker for your protection when you sign into a Microsoft Account on the device.
BITLOCKER - RECOVERY KEY
If your system detects some types of configuration changes – it may trigger the unit to prompt for your BitLocker recovery key to be entered to verify access.
Most commonly as a computer service centre – we receive reports from customers regarding BitLocker prompts after in the following circumstances.
- After a Bios Update – in which case shutting down and powering the machine back on several times can sometimes resolve.
- After external machine diagnostics have been performed (check that Secure Boot is enabled in Bios)
- After a motherboard (or main system board) replacement has occurred.
To Back Up Your Recovery Key – if your machine is operational
Refer: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-e63607b4-77fb-4ad3-8022-d6dc428fbd0d
The recovery key is a unique 48 digit numeric key which can be stored to either
- Your Microsoft Account – https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey
- A USB Flash Drive
- A .txt file
- In Active Directory – for Business/Domain Managed computers
Finding Your Recovery Key – if your machine is not operational
Your recovery key will typically be stored to one of the locations advised above. If you are unable to locate your recovery key to unlock the machine, you can also choose to wipe/re-install the machine – which will delete all data, but return the machine to an operational state.