BitLocker: Get Your Recovery Key

Explains what BitLocker is, how to check whether a college-owned Windows computer is encrypted, and how faculty and staff can get their own 48-digit BitLocker recovery key from their IC account using a phone or another computer. Includes what to do when self-service does not work.

 

 

If your Ithaca College computer starts to a blue BitLocker recovery screen, you need a 48-digit recovery key to unlock it. This article explains what BitLocker is and how to get your recovery key yourself with a phone or another computer.

Audience

This article is intended for faculty and staff who use a college-owned Windows computer.

Platform

Microsoft Windows 11

What BitLocker Is

BitLocker is the disk encryption built into Microsoft Windows. It scrambles everything stored on your computer so that nobody can read your files if the computer is lost or stolen. Ithaca College turns BitLocker on for you; you do not need to set it up.

Windows asks for a recovery key when it detects a change that could mean someone is tampering with the computer, such as a hardware change or certain updates. This is a safety check. It does not mean your files are damaged.

Check Whether Your Computer Is Encrypted

1. Click Start
2. Enter Manage BitLocker
3. Open Manage BitLocker
4. Look next to the C: drive. BitLocker on means the drive is encrypted

Get Your Recovery Key

Use your phone or another computer. Your locked computer stays on the recovery screen while you do this.

1. Open a web browser on your phone or another computer
2. Enter myaccount.microsoft.com/device-list in the address bar
3. Log in with your IC account and approve the multi-factor authentication prompt
4. Choose your locked computer in the list of devices
5. Click View BitLocker Keys
6. Match the Key ID in the list with the Recovery key ID on your locked computer's screen
7. Click Show recovery key for the matching Key ID
8. Enter the 48-digit recovery key on your locked computer
9. Press Enter

If You Cannot Get Your Key

• Your computer is not in the list: Shared, lab, and loaner computers do not show a key for you. Contact the IT Service Desk
• You cannot log in to your IC account: Contact the IT Service Desk
• The key does not work: Check that the Key ID matches, then type the key again
• The recovery screen keeps coming back: Contact the IT Service Desk so the cause can be fixed

Getting Help

For assistance with a BitLocker recovery key, please reach out to the Ithaca College Service Desk.

• Location: 104 Job Hall
• Live Chat: Remote Support Portal
• Email: servicedesk@ithaca.edu
• Current Hours: Contact Us | Ithaca College