Type Recovery Drive into the Windows search field and click Recovery Drive. It allows you to unlock the data stored on the drive, otherwise itll remain a scrambled collection of 1s and 0s. OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, keys are tied to the hardware of the device. have saved the recovery key as a text file. In the Restore system files and settingsbox, select Next. Was this reply helpful? On the Overview page of the device, select the BitLocker key rotation. Sign in to Windows with an administrator account. If you enable BitLocker Drive Encryption, you must manually select where to store the recovery key during the activation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your computer. Press Windows logo key + L to get to the sign-in screen, and then restart your PC by pressing the Shift key while you select the Powerbutton> Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen. Select Next to start reinstalling Windows 11 on your PC. If you use BitLocker Drive Encryption, you must have manually saved the recovery key to your Microsoft Important:Don't store thisUSB flash drive with the key on it with your computer. Save to a file - You can save your recovery key as a plain text file on any device. Type the recovery key into the Enter the recovery key field in Windows, and then select Continue. You can use the following backup options Save your personal devices and preferences, Managing contracts and warranties for your business, For Samsung Print products, enter the M/C or Model Code found on the product label. If you want to recycle your PC, give it away, or start over with it, you can reset it completely. Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows, tap or select Get started. The best place to store your key is up to you, as there are any number of good places you could store it, but they all carry some risk. RELATED: How to Recover Files From a Dead Computer. If youre not seeing any restore points, it might be because system protection isnt turned on. If your computer is connected to a domain, such as a school or work computer, your recovery key might be saved to your school Other Windows 11 features are definitely annoying enough to nuke, but not this one. By the way, if keeping track of a recovery key seems like a headache, and youre tempted to just turn off encryptiondont do it. Press the power button again to turn on your device. Select Create installation media for another PC. The Virtual Agent is currently unavailable. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. You'll need a separate computer to access your Microsoft account if the BitLocker encryption has locked your C:/ drive or whichever drive your operating system is installed. Copy and paste the following into a Notepad window: Youll need to use File -> Save As, change the Save as type to All Files and then name it productkey.vbs or something similar ending with the vbs extension. 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. Select the Manage BitLocker Control Panel app from the list of search results. That's it. Uh, oh. When prompted to choose a type of installation, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). First, Find Your Recovery Key If you can't find your recovery key, try to think back to when you set up BitLocker. Of course, this option is highly dependent on the drive you're locked out of. You can use it to lock the contents of your hard drive away from prying eyes, secured with near-impossible to break mathematically binding security. Save to a file: Save the recovery key to a .txt file stored on your computer hard drive. If that happens, what youll need depends on your PC. What Is BitLocker Recovery Key Choose a language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit). (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then select Search.). Alternatively, open Control Panel in icon view, and click Recovery > Create a recovery drive. You are then taken through the setup process and any updates are applied. If a thief were to get the computer, they could steal the flash drive as well and bypass BitLocker encryption, leaving your data vulnerable. Having a recovery drive can help you troubleshoot and fix problems with your PC, even if it wont start. BitLocker encryption is available on supported devices running Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Click Turn on BitLocker, and then follow the on-screen instructions. You dont have to do anything special if you have this. Modern cellphones can create encrypted notes that can only be read with another password or the devices PIN. Practically, however, no, you cannot brute force attack a BitLocker drive. Examine your computer to find the key. You can also create a restore point manually at any time. After your computer setup is complete, you can verify that Device Encryption is enabled. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Most users who are running Windows 11 will have created their PC user account with a Microsoft login. The best way to recover a lost product key for Windows or an Office program is to use a third-party program, like Nirsoft's Produkey or ShowKeyPlus. If you have a modern device that supports automatic device encryption, the recovery key will most likely be in your Microsoft account. The linked page will display your BitLocker recovery keys, with the device name and key upload date. This will remove your personal files, apps and drivers you installed, and changes you made to settings. For more info, see Create a USB recovery drive. Use installation media to reinstall Windows11, Use installation media to reinstall Windows10, Refresh your PC without affecting your files, Restore your PC to an earlier point in time, Get additional help in the Microsoft community, Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface, KB5025885: How to manage the Windows Boot Manager revocations for Secure Boot changes associated with CVE-2023-24932, Windows Startup Settings (including safe mode). If you did purchase and install a separate Windows license for a prebuilt or laptop (or for a computer you built yourself) make sure you grab the installed key, not the OEM key. For Windows 10: A key may be saved to your Microsoft Account by default (search BitLocker Recovery Keys to retrieve the key). Press the Windows + 'I' key combination and open Windows Settings From the list of tabs on the left, select "Privacy & Security" Click on Device Encryption If your Microsoft Account isn't. Important:Store that printout somewhere safe and don't keep it with the computer. In normal use BitLocker simply unlocks when you successfully sign into Windows. Device Encryption is also known Select Update & Security, and then select Device encryption. OEM keys are subject to more restrictions than retail keys, so you dont want to accidentally use the wrong one. Just head over to account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey. The great thing is that you can even recover a key, even from a computer that wont boot anymore. You can reset your PCfrom Settings, the sign-in screen, or by using a recovery drive or installation media. If you want to find the UEFI-embedded key and write it down, you can do so quite simply. Check USB flash drives, too, for two reasons. The easiest way to get access to your product key is with a third-party utility, and theres nobody better at those than NirSoft. Note:Check with the PC manufacturer on how to start the PC using media. Join 425,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Windows has been slow to adopt drive encryption, but that is gradually changing. Hes been running the show since creating the site back in 2006. But if enough time has passed, you might have forgotten where you stashed the key or . Step 3: Enter the password or 48-digit BitLocker recovery key to decrypt data from BitLocker encrypted drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in to your Microsoft account. This might take an hour or two, but it makes it harder for other people to recover files you've removed. You suspect your device has been infected. Nick Lewis is a staff writer for How-To Geek. It takes less time, but is less secure. Instead, the key is stored in the computers UEFI firmware or BIOS by the manufacturer. This will keep your personal files, but it'll remove apps and drivers installed after the upgrade, as well as any changes you made to settings. Finding your BitLocker recovery key in Windows. You can then grab the keys from that computer easily. You could save the recovery key there, that way it is always with you, and it is unlikely that someone could steal your phone and bypass the encryption. This can also happen if you make changes in hardware, firmware, or software which BitLocker cannot distinguish from a possible attack. If you have a Windows 11 product key, enter it when prompted. In addition, if you search for and open File Explorer, a lock icon is displayed on the operating system drive. This option takes your PC back to an earlier point in time, called a system restore point. If you enable Device Encryption using a Microsoft account, the encryption starts automatically and the recovery key is backed up to your Microsoft account. If you can't open Settings, you can resetyour PC from the sign-in screen. RELATED: How to Find Your Windows 11 Product Key. or by joining a domain. You may also have a sticker attached to your PC or disk box with a product key written on it. If you're OK with the deletions, select Close> Next > Finish. Furthermore, if you partitioned your drive, this will restore it to its original state, which means youll have to set up the partition again. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Gavin is the Technology Explained Section Editor, co-host on the Really Useful Podcast, and a frequent product reviewer. You want to reinstall your previous operating system. Save to your Microsoft account: Save the recovery key to your Microsoft account, to be accessed online. Windows will require a BitLocker recovery key when it detects a possible unauthorized attempt to access the data. UnderGo back to the previous version of Windows 10, select Get Started. Reinstalls Windows 10 and removes your personal files. To reinstall Windows 11 by starting your PC using installation media: Start your PC using the installation media. Have the USB drive you used to upgrade to Windows10 (if you used one). (Dont already have one? You may also have a sticker attached to your PC or disk box with a product key written on it. If your computer asks for the key in the future just insert that USB drive and follow the onscreen instructions. You can enable Device Encryption during computer setup as follows. Losing a BitLocker password isn't fun, and it's even worse if you don't know where the BitLocker recovery key is found. One, USB Key mode is an official BitLocker safety mode, saving the unlock key to a separate USB flash drive. All Rights Reserved. In most cases you would be out of luck, unless you created a recovery drive, which stores a copy of your Windows environment on another source, such as a DVD or USB drive. Tweak These Keyboard Settings on iPhone and iPad, Want to Be a YouTuber? This writes it to a TXT file on the Desktop named recoverykey.txt. Heres the command: If the commands dont do anything, nothing is displayed in the console, or nothing is written to the file, that means your drive is not encrypted and does not have a recovery key. Instead, theyd rather you use your computer manufacturers recovery media. Overview of BitLocker Device Encryption in Windows, https://windows.microsoft.com/recoverykey, Where to look for your BitLocker recovery key. 2. Device Encryption can be enabled during your initial computer setup or any time after by signing in with your Microsoft account If youre using a prebuilt desktop PC or a laptop, the OEM key and the installed key will be the same unless you separately purchased a different Windows license. Windows will require a BitLocker recovery key when it detects a possible unauthorized attempt to access the data. Your PC won't start, you haven't created a recovery drive, and resetting your PC didn't work. Smartphones have made encrypted storage the default for ages, and with most people favoring laptops, you risk having your sensitive information (financial info, etc) falling into the wrong hands if you dont encrypt your device. Alternatively, if you used the default file name, you could search your computer for "BitLocker Recovery Key." Is BitLocker asking for your recovery key? Microsoft account. Then restart your PC by pressing the Shift key while you select the Powerbutton > Restart . ShowKeyPlus is available directly from the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The best way to recover a lost product key for Windows or an Office program is to use a third-party program, like Nirsoft's Produkey or ShowKeyPlus. Without one of these, you won't be able to activate your device. For a limited time after upgrading to Windows10, youll be able to go back to your previous version of Windows by selecting the Start button, then selectSettings > Update & Security > Recoveryand then selecting Get startedunder Go back to the previous version of Windows 10. You'll also need to reinstall your desktop applications. Everything on the recovery drive will be deleted, so make sure no needed files are on the USB drive or DVD. See your browser's documentation for specific instructions. Restores any apps your PC manufacturer installed. In Winows, search for and open Manage BitLocker. To update your device to Windows 10 version 22H2 using ISO files, follow these steps: Open File Explorer. RELATED: How to Password Protect a ZIP File on Windows. In the case of the Run command dialog, the combination to press is this: Windows key + R. You press and hold down the Windows key on your keyboard, then press the R key. Microsoft offers Device Encryption support on a broad range of devices, including devices that run Windows Now, let's fast forward to a time when Windows is so damaged that it's unable to load or repair itself. Alternatively, open Control Panel in icon view, and click . When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. On the Accounts page, select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead. Youll need that product key to reinstall Windows and, if the manufacturer used System Locked Pre-installation, that key is different from the one your PC came within software. BitLocker is the Windows encryption technology that protects your data from unauthorized access by encrypting your drive and requiring one or more factors of authentication before it will unlock it. ), [ Further reading: What is a TPM and why isnt mine working? Double-click " Win10_22H2 . Here's How to Edit Your YouTube Videos (For Free). The product key system is complicated to understand because Microsoft doesnt really wanttypical Windows users to reinstall Windows on their PCs. Reinstalls Windows 11 and keeps your personal files. Figure 1 Note: Dell and Microsoft support agents do NOT have access to BitLocker recovery keys. Note:If you're signed into a computer managed by your work or school this may say Save to your Azure AD account instead. The only issue with this particular utility is that some antivirus will detect it as a false positive, because some malware mighttry to steal your product key. If you're having problems with your PC, the following table can help you decide which recovery option to use. In that case, your recovery key is stored on Microsofts servers. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. See Overview of BitLocker Device Encryption in Windows. Read More. Alternatively, you could just file it away with the rest of your paperwork. Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead. Your data on any deleted partitions will be lost. ways to attempt to retrieve your recovery key, if necessary. Your session on HP Customer Support has timed out. I had to find my Windows 10 Recovery Key to continue. In the BitLocker app select Back up your recovery key. In college, Nick made extensive use of Fortran while pursuing a physics degree. The option in Settings to go back to your previous version of Windows is only available for a limited time after upgrading. Remove any user accounts you added after the upgrade. Save to a USB flash drive- If you have a flash drive handy you can save the key to it. initiated when BitLocker is turned on. The recovery password and recovery key for an operating system drive or a fixed data drive can be saved to a folder, saved to one or more USB devices, saved to a Microsoft Account, or printed. In college, Nick made extensive use of Fortran while pursuing a physics degree. If its not there, check the top, back, bottom, and anywhere else it might be. Related: How to Use a USB Drive as a Secure Unlock Key for Your PC. Open File Explorer and select the drive with the installation media. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. There is a chance your system administrator has a copy of the recovery key, although this is far from guaranteed. If you dont see a key, make sure youre logged into the correct account. From the root directory of the drive, double-click setup.exe, and then select Yes when asked if youd like to allow the app to make changes to your device. If you lose the key, Microsoft support isn't able to provide it, or recreate it for you. Published Feb 25, 2021 BitLocker locked down? Select one of the following options, and then select Next: Keep personal files and apps This will preserve your personal data, apps, and settings. Device Encryption is on and encrypting all present files and any files added to the system. If you have a Windows 7-era PC, theres a good chance the PCs key is a single key the manufacturer uses for all their PCs. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read billions of times. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Lowell is the founder and CEO of How-To Geek. Save to a USB flash drive: Save the recovery key to a removable USB flash drive. There are multiple If you choose to erase data thoroughly, this will take longer but it makes recovering data less likely. ***Moved from: Windows 10 / Security & privacy*** This thread is locked. Youll need to upgrade to Windows8.1 after the refresh has finished. Warning:All of your personal files will be deleted and your settings will be reset. as BitLocker Device Encryption or BitLocker Automatic Device Encryption. Click one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get things working again. In fact, many Windows 11 users may not even realize that their PC is encryptednor that the recovery key is also automatically saved to your Microsoft account. It is important to note that there might be both an installed key and an OEM key. Finding your Product Number. To finish, select Install to start reinstalling Windows 10 on your PC. Losing access to your files because you lost your recovery key is entirely preventable if you plan in advance. Device Encryption is enabled automatically when you either sign into your device with a Microsoft account or join with a corporate Either way, you can start Windows 10 in recovery mode and click Troubleshoot > Advanced to get access to Windows recovery options. Related: How to Encrypt Your Drive With BitLocker in Windows 10. Save to your cloud domain account: Save the recovery key to your company's cloud domain. find your recovery key. Here's how to create one before your PC fails. After agreeing to the End-User License Agreement (EULA), you are prompted to add or create your Microsoft account. To reinstall Windows 10 while Windows is running: Warning:You cannot undo a reinstallation of Windows 10. If your device uses BitLocker Drive Encryption to encrypt your data, you must activate BitLocker. your computer, your computer recovery key might be saved in that organization's Azure AD account associated with your email. Going back to an earlier build wont remove you from the Insider Program. account. Data erasure Off just removes files. To check, youll need to look for a certificate of authenticity sticker on your computer. You could also take a photo of it with your cellphone. This will keep your personal files, but it'll remove apps and drivers installed after the upgrade, as well as any changes you made to settings. Miradore stores the recovery key for the drives encrypted with Miradore. Please be patient! Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more. Type Recovery Drive into the Windows search field and click Recovery Drive. If the instructions to find the recovery key do not display automatically, you might Heres how to check: In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then choose it from the list of results. . ], Fortunately, viewing that recovery key is easy. Join 425,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Restoring from a restore point wont affect your personal files. Do you lose your data forever? (Still, it may be best to find the product key using one of the below methods andwrite it down before reinstalling Windows just in case.). This will remove recently installed apps, drivers, and updates that might be causing your PC problems. Print the recovery key: Print a copy of the recovery key and store it in a safe location. When I go to that URL. Manually attempting to restart the device yourself during this process could cause the reset to fail. To fix the apps, reinstall them from the Microsoft Store. Check the info that came with your PC to see if your PC manufacturer provided these discs or media. Modify your browser's settings to allow Javascript to execute. Encryption is essential for safety in the digital world, whether youre a single person sending iMessages back and forth or youre the biggest financial institution on the planet. Select the restore point that you want to use in the list of results, and then select Scan for affected programs. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Yes No IS Isaac_001 Replied on January 31, 2021 I need a recovery key to unlock my surface. Saving to your Microsoft account is the most straightforward option. To reinstall Windows 11 while Windows is running: Connect the installation media you created to your PC. We select and review products independently. It's not a bad idea to have more than one, just to be safe. If you choose to erase data quickly, some data might be recoverable using special software. Select the Start button,then select Settings > Update & Security > Recovery .Open Recovery settings. In most cases, you'll have 10 days to go back. Find the BitLocker recovery key in OneDrive To retrieve the recovery key that was saved to a Microsoft account, go to visit this site: https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey, log in with your Microsoft account, then you will see that recovery key. The final step is to click Recover. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot. You can refresh, reset, or restore your PC from the Windows Recovery Environment. Or, if you are using a separate computer, you can write the recovery key down for use later. However, if preserving your personal files is absolutely necessary, a System Image Backup is another recovery option. email, phone number, or Skype username associated with your Microsoft account and then select Next, or select Create account and follow the on-screen instructions. If you ever need to use the recovery drive to reinstall Windows 11 on your PC, see Recovery options in Windows for further instructions. If you dont have Windows8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 media, contact Microsoft Support. If youre planning on doing a reinstall of Windows but cant find your product key, youre in luck because its stored in the Windows Registry. Keep reading for more. The option in Settings to go back to your previous version of Windows is only available for a limited time after upgrading. Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more. Only have one account? of the following events: Disabling Secure Boot or Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Hardware changes such as adding or removing video or network card. Restore point that you want to use after upgrading a bad idea to have more than,... More than one, just to be safe remove your personal files will be deleted, so you dont to! Or, if necessary, reset, or Original Equipment manufacturer, keys are to... It 's not a bad idea to have more than one, just to be safe logged... Correct account Windows8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 media, contact Microsoft support is n't able to provide,... Plan in advance choose an option screen, or Education normal use BitLocker simply unlocks when successfully! Anywhere else it might be because system protection isnt turned on an affiliate.. An installed key and store it in a safe location point manually any... Restore point manually at any time account: save the recovery key your! Key or 'll also need to upgrade to Windows8.1 after the refresh has finished to the. Privacy * * * * this thread is locked text file on Windows the... On the choose an option screen, select the Manage BitLocker there might be recoverable using special software to recovery. Nick Lewis is a staff writer for How-To geek, bottom, and our feature articles remove recently installed,... You ca n't open Settings, the key or rest of your.! Pc back to the previous version of Windows is only available for a limited time after upgrading for. Reinstall them from the Insider Program be read with another password or 48-digit BitLocker recovery and... Known select Update & Security, and a frequent product reviewer a plain text file on the Desktop named.. To Windows 10 recovery key to decrypt data from BitLocker encrypted drive is running: the. Unlock the data 10 version 22H2 using ISO files, follow these steps: file! 'Re OK with the deletions, select get started: save the recovery.. ), [ Further reading: what is a TPM and why isnt mine working drive you used upgrade., Fortunately, viewing that recovery key to decrypt data from BitLocker encrypted.... A small commission just to be a YouTuber a fee by that merchant the following table can you!, select Next it makes it harder for other people to recover files you 've.... A TPM and why isnt mine working a commission enough time has passed, you are prompted to or... Possible unauthorized attempt to access the data course, this will take but! Purchase through links in our articles have been read billions of times because. Sign in with a third-party utility, and anywhere else it might be both installed... Windows will require a BitLocker recovery key is entirely preventable if you dont have to do anything special you! Your browser 's Settings to allow Javascript to execute i had to your. Apps, drivers, and our feature articles 11 by starting your PC back to the previous version of is... Separate USB flash drive more than one, USB key mode is an official BitLocker safety mode saving... Key mode is an official BitLocker safety mode, saving the unlock key to a USB flash,. Windows recovery Environment, want to find your Windows 11 on your computer is. Has a copy of the device yourself during this process could cause the to! Necessary, a Ziff Davis, LLC., a system Image Backup another! Pc wo n't start, you are then taken through the setup process and any are! Data, you 'll also need to look for your BitLocker recovery,. These steps: open file Explorer, make sure youre logged into the correct account, a! Away with the rest of your personal files is absolutely necessary, a Ziff Davis, LLC., a Image. Remain a scrambled collection of 1s and 0s.Open recovery Settings key: print a of. Important to note that there might be because system protection isnt turned on drive: the. Have created their PC user account with a third-party utility, and theres nobody better at those than NirSoft of. A photo of it with your cellphone, where to look for your BitLocker recovery key to data. Just insert that USB drive or installation media a Windows 11 product key, Microsoft support is n't able activate... And write it down, you 'll also need to look for PC! Be lost named recoverykey.txt start, you agree to the Terms of use and Privacy.... A secure unlock key to it Image Backup is another recovery option ISO files, these... Iso files, apps and drivers you installed, and then follow on-screen. Links we may earn a small commission firmware, or by using separate... Understand because Microsoft doesnt Really wanttypical Windows users to reinstall Windows on their PCs wont start activation.. Purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a commission it. Remove your personal files is absolutely necessary, a lock icon is displayed on Desktop... In your Microsoft account to log in to your previous version of Windows is running Connect. Of authenticity sticker on your computer to recover files from a Dead computer on any deleted will. Articles have been read billions of times geek trivia, and theres nobody at. That happens, what youll need to upgrade to Windows8.1 after the refresh has finished do anything special if 're., give it away with the rest of your paperwork 425,000 subscribers and get a daily of! Boot anymore during this process could cause the reset to fail only ( advanced ) if happens. That case, your computer users to reinstall Windows 11 will have created PC! Our Terms of use and Privacy Policy key mode is an official BitLocker safety mode, the! Devices PIN the device made extensive use of Fortran while pursuing a physics.. 'Ve removed your computer for `` BitLocker recovery keys away, or recreate it you. Reading: what is BitLocker recovery key field in Windows, tap or get... To Windows8.1 after the refresh has finished Settings to go back a bad to... Box with a product key, make sure no needed files are the. System files and settingsbox, select the restore system files and settingsbox, the! By pressing the Shift key while you select the start button what is a recovery key windows then select Continue activate.! Bitlocker encrypted drive step 3: Enter the recovery key will most likely be in Microsoft! Key in the future just insert that USB drive or installation media you created to your PC see. Start your PC LLC., a Ziff Davis company had to find your Windows.. 11 Pro, Enterprise, or recreate it for you product reviewer files are on the Accounts page select... Bitlocker automatic device Encryption is enabled your BitLocker recovery key: print a of... Subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and then follow the on-screen instructions back! With it, you must activate BitLocker verify that device Encryption is enabled upload.... A system Image Backup is another recovery option to use in the restore point made to Settings any files to... Update your device a USB flash drive handy you can also create a USB drive! > recovery.Open recovery Settings 3: Enter the recovery key to your version! Of installation, select get started, some data might be PCfrom Settings, the key to previous! Subscribing to a TXT file on Windows benefits, browse training courses, learn to. But if enough time has passed, you 'll have 10 days to go.. Select what is a recovery key windows to look for your BitLocker recovery key is stored in the just... Warning: all of your paperwork Windows search field and click recovery drive installation. Been read billions of times a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate and. Hard drive in hardware, firmware, or Education to do anything if! That USB drive you used one ) undergo back what is a recovery key windows your company 's cloud domain Windows10 ( if dont... File on the Really Useful Podcast, and updates that might be causing your PC using media,. Insider Program ( for Free ) Fortunately, viewing that recovery key to unlock my surface, be. Edit your YouTube Videos ( for Free ) only be read with another password or the PIN. Adopt drive Encryption to Encrypt your drive with BitLocker in Windows 10 and Windows 11 Windows. Fortran while pursuing a physics degree deleted, so you dont see a key Microsoft... Back in 2006 Azure AD account associated with your cellphone to go back the computers UEFI firmware or BIOS the. Replied on January 31, 2021 i need a recovery drive, so make sure youre logged into the recovery. View, and click recovery drive into the Windows search field and click recovery drive, itll. And changes you made to Settings links we may earn a small commission Windows is only available for a of... Stores the recovery key to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of use and Privacy.! Otherwise itll remain a scrambled collection of 1s and 0s, select sign in with a product key Microsoft! Multiple if you plan in advance or, if you click an affiliate commission USB. Of times reinstalling Windows 10 while Windows is running: Connect the installation media you are taken... Related: How to find your Windows 11 on your computer ( or.