Booting from USB into Windows 10 Pro encrypted with password

I removed an NVME m2 SSD hard drive from a Dell XPS 15 laptop because the motherboard overheated.

Using a USB adapter purchased from ebay, I am attempting to boot from this hard drive or at least access the data. When I plug this USB adapter with SSD into my USB, I can not seem to access it so I am just trying to access the data at this point. (my custom built computer is having trouble installing Windows now, so I use Linux, probably BIOS settings I need to configure)

When I visit a library with Windows 10, I plug in the USB with SSD. It asks for some number such as a backup password or something, I forgot. I remember my login password that is encrypted, but I don't know what it's asking me for or how to get it.

This SSD on USB is using Windows 10 pro 64 bit, with Bit Locker. I am currently using Linux Mint at home, since using this custom built computer, I am unable to figure out how to configure BIOS to install Windows 10 even on a new SSD.

My main question is, am I able to access this Bit-Lock encrypted SSD with only my password? (since it is asking me to type in something else when I access it via the Windows 10 filesystem at the library)

Hi,

You are in a bad situation...

Is that Dell XPS 15 still alive ? At the moment without the information contained in it's TPM or the Bitlocker recovery key there is very little chance to be able to gain access to this disk.

If you still have the overheating laptop and it still starts, It's your best place to start. Install back the SSD, login with your password and backup your Bitlocker Key.

If you're unable to succeed with this and you're data are precious, You should bring everything to a competent computer technician so he can evaluate the difficulties you're facing..

Thank you. I was afraid of this. It must have been asking for the Bitlocker recovery key, not my password to log in. The PC technician tells me he can replace my motherboard with the same model for the Dell XPS 15, but this is $500.

From what I understand, Bitlocker is tied to the hardware. Will replacing the motherboard work to access my SSD and ask me for the regular password like it used to? Maybe a question for the PC technician.

That is always a danger with encryption. It is wise to store a copy of your key somewhere

Sorry but replacing the Board will not give you back the TMP Keys. And Bitlocker will react has it has been connected to a new computer and ask for the decryption password.

How to unlock BitLocker drive without password & recovery key?

MaloK said:

And Bitlocker will react has it has been connected to a new computer and ask for the decryption password.

How to unlock BitLocker drive without password & recovery key?

This seems like there is a way to boot from disc or access data with the Password, even if I do not have the recovery key. I was under the impression that I wouldn't need to save a copy of the recovery key if I remembered my password.

If I remember right When I activate it, Bitlocker warns from impending doom if failure to remember keys. And I never dare to try it.

funkmeister said:

This seems like there is a way to boot from disc or access data with the Password, even if I do not have the recovery key. I was under the impression that I wouldn't need to save a copy of the recovery key if I remembered my password.

The simple password uses the TPM to enter the decryption password, so technically using a new TPM should trigger request for the decryption password.

MaloK said:

The simple password uses the TPM to enter the decryption password, so technically using a new TPM should trigger request for the decryption password.

I am trying to understand this, are you saying there is a way for me to access the data or log into the system with the log in password and without the recovery key?

Does decryption password mean the same as recovery key?

funkmeister said:

I am trying to understand this, are you saying there is a way for me to access the data or log into the system with the log in password and without the recovery key?

Does decryption password mean the same as recovery key?

The decryption password is calculated from your simple password and the key stored in TMP to produce it.

Without a key in the TPM, Bitlocker will requires the key to install it in TMP then it will enable the uses of your simple password.