Dumb BitLocker Questions


  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Dumb BitLocker Questions


    Hi,

    Probably really dumb question, but does resetting/reinstalling Windows 10 give you a new BitLocker recovery key? Guessing the answer is "Yes" because that is what I have done and now I have a different key, but just want to make sure that is the reason.

    If so, can my original BitLocker recovery key be safely removed from my Microsoft account and the printout destroyed?

    Thanks in advance.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #2

    Fidney said:
    Hi,

    Probably really dumb question, but does resetting/reinstalling Windows 10 give you a new BitLocker recovery key?
    No. However, in doing a clean install of Windows 10 you will need to setup BitLocker again. Doing that will give you a new key since the drive was wiped (along with BitLocker).

    Fidney said:
    If so, can my original BitLocker recovery key be safely removed from my Microsoft account and the printout destroyed?
    If the key is saved to your Microsoft account, it will remain there until you remove it. I still have BL keys from old installs that I finally removed from my account.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 1,621
    Windows 10 Home
       #3

    Does BitLocker provide two recovery means: one being a recovery key, what was the other means?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #4

    RolandJS said:
    Does BitLocker provide two recovery means: one being a recovery key, what was the other means?
    Not clear on your question but BitLocker provides two means to unlock a drive depending on the drive is. If the drive is an OS drive you just get the key option to unlock a drive. If the drive is a non OS drive you can use either a key or password you create.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 1,621
    Windows 10 Home
       #5

    "...BitLocker provides two means to unlock a drive depending on what the drive is. If the drive is an OS drive you just get the key option to unlock a drive. If the drive is a non OS drive you can use either a key or password you create." -- sygnus21
    That is the answer I was looking for - thanks! I remembered key, but did not remember password.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #6

    RolandJS said:
    That is the answer I was looking for - thanks! I remembered key, but did not remember password.
    Be aware (remember) you won't get the "password" option for an OS drive.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 1,621
    Windows 10 Home
       #7

    sygnus21 said:
    Be aware (remember) you won't get the "password" option for an OS drive.
    You are!! correct. I forgot to indicate that I read and understood your clear post about BitLocker, again, thanks for the heads-up!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #8

    I'm going to refer you to this tutorial on creating a pin as I may have misspoke - Turn On or Off BitLocker for Operating System Drive in Windows 10
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 19:15.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums