Windows BitLocker Encryption

BitLocker encryption ensures that the data on your drive remains encrypted (secure) if the computer is tampered with, even when the operating system is not running. If Windows thinks it's being tampered it will lock itself until a very long string of characters is entered. No matter how many times you reboot the computer, this prompt is nearly impossible to get past until that long string is entered.

Help from IT is not always required when this message comes up, this article details steps you can take if a BitLocker screen presents itself.

Why am I seeing this?

These prompts most-often appear when:

BitLocker was not suspended or disabled prior to your computer being serviced
OEM (Manufacturer) hardware has been replaced (ex: new motherboard, Memory, Solid State Drive, etc.)
You connect new hardware to your laptop (ex: docking station) that may have made changes to Windows System files

What to do if IT isn't available?

You do have the ability to recover this information.

Remember to carefully read any prompts and confirm number entries before proceeding through prompts on your computer
If you just can't get this process to work, please contact the IT Emergency Line: (612) 617-2318

Key Recovery: Self Help

You will need: An internet connected device (your smartphone, tablet, other computer)

Open your web-browser (internet) and go to the site below (or scan the QR code below):
1. https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey
Login with your Cuningham username and password > approve MFA prompt(s)
Look for the Devices tile and click Manage Devices
Click the down-arrow to the far right of your computer
2. Then click View BitLocker Keys
3. If you see multiple computers listed, confirm your current laptop by:
  1. Looking for a silver "Cuningham" sticker, on the bottom of the computer
    1. Note: some computers have a little "door" to flip up and reveal the sticker
  2. Match those 4 numbers with one in the list
  3. Select the arrow to the far-right of that computer entry
  4. Then click View Bitlocker keys
Match the first eight numbers on your computer screen to the Key ID (Tip: you may need to turn your phone sideways, if that's the device you're using)
1. Click Show recovery key
2. A 48-digit Bitlocker recovery key is revealed
Enter all 48 numbers on your problem computer
Press Enter
If the key is accepted your computer will boot into Windows
If the key is not accepted you can try, slowly and deliberately, entering the numbers again

If you're still unsuccessful or this prompt keeps appearing:

Contact the Emergency Hotline: 612.617.2318