This article explains how to find your BitLocker recovery key and unlock your university-managed device if it is locked.

This article provides details about:

• What BitLocker is
• Why your device may ask for a recovery key
• How to get the key using a university account
• How to unlock your computer

By following the steps in this guide, you can unlock your computer safely and get back to work.

Overview of BitLocker

What is BitLocker

BitLocker is a full-disk encryption feature built into Windows that protects data by encrypting the entire drive. It’s commonly used on laptops and desktops to prevent unauthorised access, especially in case of theft or loss. When BitLocker detects a potential security risk, like hardware changes or failed login attempts, it may prompt for a 48-digit recovery key to unlock the device. 

How BitLocker protects your data

BitLocker is a Windows security feature that protects your data by encrypting your drives. This encryption ensures that if someone tries to access a disk offline, they won’t be able to read any of its content. 

BitLocker is particularly valuable if your device is lost or stolen, as it keeps your sensitive information secure. It’s designed to be user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system, making it easy to set up and manage. 

Types of BitLocker Encryption

BitLocker provides two main types of encryptions:

1. Device encryption
2. BitLocker drive encryption

Device encryption

Device Encryption is a Windows feature which is designed for simplicity of use, and it enables BitLocker encryption automatically for the Operating System drive and fixed drives. It’s particularly beneficial for everyday users who want to ensure their personal information is safe without having to manage complex security settings. 

BitLocker encryption

BitLocker Drive Encryption is designed for advanced scenarios, allows you to manually encrypt drives. It allows you to manually encrypt a specific drive or drives on a device running Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition. For devices managed by an organisation, BitLocker Drive Encryption is usually managed by the IT department, as encryption might be required by organisational policies

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How BitLocker works

BitLocker helps protect your data by encrypting your entire drive. Windows normally has protections associated with your sign-in information. However, if someone tries to bypass these protections by physically removing the hard drive and connecting it to a second device, they could potentially access your data without needing your credentials. 

With BitLocker encryption, when they try to use that method to access the drive, they’ll need to provide a decryption key (which they shouldn’t have) to access anything on the drive. Without the decryption key, the data on the drive appears as gibberish, making it unreadable and secure from unauthorised access. 

Recovery Key

A BitLocker recovery key is a unique 48-digit numerical password that can be used to unlock an encrypted drive. You might be asked to enter this key if BitLocker cannot confirm that you are the authorised user.

Where is the Recovery key stored

When BitLocker is enabled, your recovery key is automatically saved in one or more of the following locations:

1. Microsoft Account
2. Azure AD or Active Directory

For university-owned devices, the recovery key might be stored in the university’s Azure Active Directory or Active Directory. Admins usually have access to this.

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Finding your recovery key

Step 1 - Getting your recovery key

1. On another device, open a web browser and go to: Device List
2. This will take you to the Microsoft sign-in page, where you should enter your University username (username@soton.ac.uk) followed by your university password to continue.
    
   
   
   
3. Once you have signed in with your university account, you will be taken to the My Account page, where you can view the list of your registered devices on the right side of the screen.
   
   
   
   
4. Locate the device for which you want to view the BitLocker information.
5. Select the down arrow icon at the end of the device entry.
   
   
   
   
6. This will expand the details for that device, where you can view the BitLocker recovery key information.
   
   
   
   
7. Select the button View BitLocker Keys.  
8. A new text box called BitLocker keys for [Name of the device, starting with UOS - ] will appear on the right side of the window, showing: 
   1. The Key ID number.
   2. The Show recovery key button.
      
      
      
      
9. Select the Show recovery key button to see your recovery key. Make sure you select the recovery key that matches the key ID displayed on the locked computer requesting the BitLocker recovery key.
   
   

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Step 2 - Unlock your device

1. The BitLocker Recovery screen appears when starting up your device. You need to enter the BitLocker Recovery key.
2. Enter the 48-digit key on the BitLocker recovery screen.
   

3. Select Continue on the screen
4. If the key is correct, Windows will boot normally and return you to the sign-in screen.
5. Log in with your university account once the system finishes booting.

Note: After entering your BitLocker Recovery Key, if the screen does not direct you to the sign-on page, please contact ServiceLine for further assistance.

 

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Getting IT help

If you need help, please contact ServiceLine or visit one of our Tech Hubs.

 

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Related articles

Windows recovery options

BitLocker overview - Microsoft Support