Share this article

Improve this guide

Fix: Failed to Unlock with This Recovery Key BitLocker Error

Take a closer look at our confirmed solutions

4 min. read

Updated onJanuary 9, 2024

updated onJanuary 9, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

BitLocker happens to be one of the best security features of Windows 10. It encrypts the data on your disk, thereby preventing others from eavesdropping on it.

That said, all the positives can quickly turn against you if you happen to lose the BitLocker key, or ifsomething of the sort goes wrong.

But fret not, for here are some ways an order can be enforced in the chaos in the face of the usual Failed to unlock with this recovery key error message, the one most common message to have with BitLocker-related issues. And it is easy too.

How can I fix the Failed to unlock with this recovery key error?

How can I fix the Failed to unlock with this recovery key error?

The next step for you to do will be to copy the recovery passwords for the computer:

So there you have it, the all-important recovery key to unlock your PC.

Access the computer as an administrator

However, just in case the above does not help sort your issue, like when the key fails to unlock the PC, here is another way to crack the situation. You need to haveaccess to the computer as an administratorto perform the following. Here are the steps:

If you have lost the admin privileges

Things get messy once you have lost admin access to the PC. That said, there is still a way out. This would require access to another instance of Windows though.

Here ‘C’ refers to the system drive letter.

In case you want to keep your BitLocker key handy, the easiest way is tolearn all aboutgetting back the BitLocker Recovery Key through CMD; read this guide to learn more.

However, in the unfortunate scenario of the above steps not working as well, you will be left with no option but to reset your PC or do a backup.

More about the topics:Bitlocker,encryption

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.

When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.