Bitlocker Not Recognizing Password or Recovery Code
Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, So, I was using Windows 10 normally with Bitlocker all set and working. I started having problems. I tried to fix it, failed, and eventually decided to reinstall Windows.
After the reinstall, i installed everything again and noticed that Bitlocker won’t take my password. It says it doesn’t recognize the password. Anyways, I need this fixed so I can access my data again. Please help!” - Trevor F., United Kingdom
Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:
- Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
- Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
- Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.
Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.
Wally’s Answer: It feels dreadful when your password gets rejected. Especially if it means that you can’t access files on your own hard drive. Here are some instructions on what you can do when Bitlocker doesn’t accept your password:
Problem
Windows 10 is not unlocking data encrypted using Bitlocker.
Solution
Here are some things that you can do that may help get your data back:
Have You Enabled Bitlocker Properly?
You may not have enabled Bitlocker properly yet. Bitlocker file encryption is built into Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8, 8.1, and 10. Professional and Enterprise Editions only.
You can test if you have Bitlocker available on your version of Windows by doing this simple test. Go to This PC\My Computer and right-click the C (or D or E) drive. If Bitlocker is available, then you should see the option Turn on Bitlocker on the Right-click menu.
If you don’t see this option, then you don’t have the right version of Windows.
In Case The Hard Drive Is Damaged
Hard drives can get damaged after a few years. This is usually unexpected, and sometimes it is not bad enough for the hard drive to stop working. If data changes even a little bit Bitlocker might not give you access.
Try Using This BDE Repair Guide
The BDE repair command should help you fix the data if it was severely damaged by the hard disk’s bad sectors. This can be done as long as you have the Bitlocker password.
If the metadata is also damaged then you will be required to provide a backup key package in addition to the recovery password. Click here for info and instructions on Microsoft’s website.
I Hope You Liked This Blog Article! If You Need Additional Support on This Issue Then Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Me On Facebook.
Image: via Wikimedia Commons
Is Your PC Healthy?
I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.
Happy Computing! 
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About the Author
Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.
