How to Unlock Bitlocker When It Stops Accepting Recovery Keys

BitLocker may fail to unlock when the key is entered. When the key is entered (even when registered in Active Directory), BitLocker reports the key was accepted and the unlock was successful, but then prompts you to reenter the key again. This behavior then loops.

Work around To Unlock

• On the page where you are asked to enter the recovery key, select the Skip this drive link at the bottom. You should be presented with a menu that will let you get to a command prompt. The sequence is Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command prompt.
• In the command prompt, use the following command to check the BitLocker status of the C: Drive:

  • manage-bde -status c:

• If the status is returned as locked, you must use the following command to unlock it using your recovery password:

  • manage-bde -unlock c: -rp your 48-digit recovery password

• Once the drive is unlocked, you must use the following command to suspend protection:

  • manage-bde -protectors -disable c:

• Exit and reboot.
• The computer should now successfully boot Windows. Once there, use the BitLocker control panel to resume BitLocker protection.

Helpful Links

• Please reference How to troubleshoot and resolve Fingerprint Reader and Security Software issues for additional information regarding Dell security.
• Detailed instructions on How to use the Dell Support Site to identify and install the drivers for your Dell PC.
• If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact Dell Technical Support for assistance.

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• BitLocker is Prompting for a Recovery Key, and You Cannot Locate the Key
• Automatic Windows Device Encryption or BitLocker on Dell Computers
• BitLocker Asks for a Recovery Key Every Boot on USB-C or Thunderbolt Computers When Docked or Undocked
• BitLocker fails to turn on or prompts for the Recovery Key rebooting with Windows 10, UEFI, and the TPM 1.2 Firmware

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