How to Unlock BitLocker Without Recovery Key or Password [3 Ways]

Formatting your drive might be the only way

4 min. read

Updated onAugust 22, 2024

updated onAugust 22, 2024

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Today we’ll show you how to unlock Bitlocker without a password or recovery key. So if you forgot your credentials, just follow the steps below.

BitLocker is a full-disk encryption feature available in Windows that helpsprotect data from attackssuch as boot sector viruses and other types of malware.

Here’s how to unlock it if you forgot your password:

How do I unlock BitLocker without recovery key

1. Format your hard drive

For more info, take a closer look at our dedicated guide onrecovering the BitLocker Key with Command Prompt.

2. Disable Secure Boot

3. Use a third-party tool

The above methods can seem a bit complicated and take up your time. To avoid this, you can enlist the help of a third-party tool such asElcomsoft System Recovery.

It has garnered quite a praise from users, so it’s worth trying it out and seeing whether you can bypass the BitLocker page.

Where is the lost 48-digit BitLocker recovery key?

Some of the possible locations where you canfind yourBitLocker recovery keyinclude:

If you’ve forgotten the password to encrypt your hard drive and don’t have a recovery key stored anywhere else, you’re out of luck. There’s no way for you to access any of its contents without losing your data.

How do I remove the BitLocker password?

Check out our fix guide for additional information about what to do whenBitLocker keeps asking for your recovery key.

We also have answers to whenBitLocker cannot be enabled, so do not hesitate to check out our article.

Hopefully, you now know how to unlock BitLocker without your password or recovery key.

If you’re down on your luck and none of these have been successful, you might have to do aclean install of Windowsand forget about your data.

And don’t forget thatBitLocker supports automatic unlocking, which is ideal for devices not continuously connected to the internet.

We’d love your feedback on which solution you found easiest or one that worked for you.

How to Unlock BitLocker Without Recovery Key or Password [3 Ways]#

How do I unlock BitLocker without recovery key#

1. Format your hard drive#

2. Disable Secure Boot#

3. Use a third-party tool#

Where is the lost 48-digit BitLocker recovery key?#

How do I remove the BitLocker password?#