It can be quite frustrating and alarming to see There are no more BitLocker recovery options on your PC, especially when you are locked out of the system. This error typically means Windows cannot locate the necessary BitLocker recovery key. However, it’s not something that can’t be resolved, so there’s no need to worry. In this article, we will explain why it happens and how to recover the key, if possible.
Fix There are no more BitLocker recovery options on your PC error in Windows 11/10
If you encounter There are no more BitLocker recovery options on your PC error, use the solutions mentioned below.
- Verify the Microsoft account
- Search for the recovery key
- Use the Command Prompt in recovery mode
- Check the Active Directory
- Wipe the drive and reinstall
Let’s get started with the troubleshooting guide.
1] Verify the Microsoft account
First and foremost, we will check the Microsoft account, as there is a higher chance that your BitLocker recovery key was connected to it during setup. If you remember the Microsoft credentials, this allows you access from anywhere. Here’s how to do the same.
- Navigate to the Microsoft account website, and log in using the same account used for BitLocker setup.
- Once signed up, go to the Device section to access the BitLocker recovery key page.
- There, users can view and copy the recovery key.
If the recovery key is not available in your Microsoft account, proceed to the next solution.
2] Search for the recovery key
During BitLocker’s initial configuration, users are prompted to select a destination for the recovery key. They might have stored it on a USB device, so if this is the case, plug the USB device into the PC and check it. Alternatively, it could also have been saved as a file, so look through the backup or cloud storage for the corresponding .txt document. If none of these sources can help you resolve the issue, proceed to the next solution.
3] Use the command prompt in recovery mode
The next step to execute if you are unable to access a BitLocker-encrypted drive is to unlock it using Command Prompt through Windows Recovery Environment (WinRe). This method is especially helpful when stuck in a recovery loop or can’t log onto Windows manually. Follow the steps below to use the Command Prompt in recovery mode.
- Reboot the PC, and press F8 or Shift + F8 or force recovery by turning the PC off and on three times during the boot.
- On the Choose option screen, select Troubleshoot, and go to Advanced Options.
- Now, select Command Prompt, and enter the command given below:
manage-bde -unlock X: -RecoveryPassword Copied-Recovery-Key
Note: Replace X with the encrypted drive letter, and ‘Copied-Recovery-Key’ with the 48-digit recovery key.
- Lastly, press the Enter key and check the confirmation message that indicates the drive is unlocked.
Choose continue or restart to boot back into Windows normally. If unlocking fails, see the next solution.
4] Check the Active Directory
For business/enterprise devices joined to a company domain, BitLocker recovery keys are often automatically backed up to Active Directory (AD) as a security policy. If you see the “no recovery options” error on a work device, contact your IT administrator immediately. They can retrieve the key from AD using administrative tools, as end-users cannot access this centrally stored key themselves.
5] Wipe the drive and reinstall
If your PC still won’t start properly, using the built-in reset feature may be the last resort to resolve the issue. The options allow users to restore the system to a working state; however, choosing to remove everything without a backup may cause permanent data loss. Follow the steps mentioned below to access the recovery options.
- Reboot the PC and immediately press F8 or Shift + F8 when the manufacturer’s logo appears.
- Select Troubleshoot from the menu, and click on Reset this PC.
- Select from either of the options: Keep my files, or Remove everything. Select Keep my files as this is the safest option from the slot; however, this option may not work.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the reset process, and then select whether you want to reinstall Windows using a local copy or download a fresh copy from the cloud.
The reset will begin and may take some time to complete. Wait patiently and don’t panic if you see your PC restarting several times.
Hopefully, with the help of these solutions, your issue will be resolved.
Read: BitLocker Waiting for Activation error on Windows 11
Why is the BitLocker option not showing?
BitLocker may not appear on the device for various reasons. Some of the common ones include using older versions of Windows that might not support BitLocker, the TPM chip being missing or disabled, or the feature being disabled in Windows settings. Moreover, some hardware or policy restrictions can hide BitLocker options.
Read: Backup BitLocker recovery key and suspend BitLocker encryption before updating BIOS
How to fix BitLocker Loop?
To recover from a BitLocker Loop, access the Windows Recovery Environment and use the Command Prompt. The steps to perform the same are mentioned earlier in the article above. If the issue persists, it is recommended to check BIOS/UEFI settings and update TPM firmware.
Also Read: BitLocker missing or not showing in Windows.
