Fix Enter the Recovery Key to Get Going Again Error [Easy]

Are you encountering the Enter the recovery key to get going again error? Here are easy steps to fix it and get back on track quickly.

Imagine being in a situation where you're prompted to enter their BitLocker recovery key after choosing the "Reset this PC" option. Despite following instructions, you fail to access your system and get stuck in a loop.

The "Enter the recovery key to get going again" error on your PC can be frustrating, especially when important files are locked behind BitLocker encryption. System changes like BIOS updates, file system issues, or security settings alterations typically trigger this error. Read on!

Fix 1. Unlock BitLocker in CMD to Solve Enter the Key to Go Again Error

One method to bypass this error is to unlock BitLocker using the Command Prompt.

Step 1. Boot into "Advanced Startup Options" by holding the "Shift" key and clicking "Restart."

Step 2. Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options." 

Step 3. Run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 4. In the Command Prompt, type:

Step 5. Press "Enter" to unlock your drive.

This should solve the recovery key issue, and you'll regain access to your system.

Fix 2. Find the BitLocker Recovery Key to Fix This Recovery Key Error

If you've misplaced the device where your BitLocker key is stored or forgotten your PIN, this method will help you retrieve it. Here's what to do:

Step 1. Plug the USB drive containing the saved recovery key into your computer.

Step 2. Open the drive, locate the file with the recovery key, and open it.

If you saved the BitLocker recovery key directly on your computer, you can search for it. Simply go to the Search bar and type BitLocker Recovery Key.txt to find the file.

Alternatively, if you used the Microsoft Print to PDF option to save the key, it might be stored as a PDF document. 

To locate it:

Step 1. Type BitLocker Recovery Key.pdf in the Search bar.

Step 2. Open the file to retrieve your recovery key.

Fix 3. Solve BitLocker Recovery Key Error by Decrypting the Drive

Decrypting the BitLocker drive can also resolve the issue.

Step 1. Boot your PC and open "Advanced Startup Options."

Step 2. Open "Command Prompt" as in previous steps.

Step 3. Type the following command to decrypt the drive:

Step 4. Press "Enter" and allow the decryption process to complete.

Once done, the BitLocker encryption will be removed, and you should no longer face the recovery key error. You can share this post with your friends who are facing the same BitLocker error:

Fix 4. Use Legacy Boot to Fix BitLocker Recovery Key Issues

Windows 10 brought a new graphical boot menu that sometimes triggers BitLocker recovery key or password errors. You can switch back to the traditional legacy boot menu to resolve this. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Open the "Windows Search" bar and input CMD.

Step 2. Right-click "Command Prompt" and hit the "Run as administrator" option.

Step 3. In "Command Prompt," type the following command:

Step 4. Press "Enter" and then restart your computer.

Fix 5. Update Bios to Fix Enter the Recovery Key Error

An outdated BIOS version can trigger the BitLocker recovery key prompt. Updating the BIOS may resolve the issue.

Here's how to update the BIOS on Windows 10 in seven steps:

Step 1. Identify your PC's model name.

Step 2. Visit the manufacturer's website and check for the latest BIOS update available.

Step 3. Download the BIOS update file, unzip it, and save it to a USB stick.

Step 4. Restart your PC and boot into the BIOS menu. Make sure to back up your current BIOS settings.

Step 5. Connect the USB drive with the BIOS file, and go to "Advanced startup" by typing "Reset this PC" in the Search bar. Click "Restart Now."

Step 6. In the Choose an option window, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "UEFI Firmware Settings" and wait for the PC to reboot into the BIOS.

Step 7. Navigate to the "M-Flash" (or Q-Flash/EZ-Flash, depending on the motherboard) option, select the BIOS file from your USB, and start the update process. The PC will restart and complete the update.

Fix 6. Turn Secure Boot on or off to Solve BitLocker Recovery Key Error

Some users have reported that turning Secure Boot on or off helped them bypass the BitLocker recovery screen. Based on this, we recommend trying the same to see if it resolves your issue. Here's how you can enable or disable Secure Boot:

Step 1. On the BitLocker recovery screen, press the "Esc" key and click "Skip this drive."

Step 2. Next, select the "Troubleshoot" option and then go to "Advanced options."

Step 3. In the "UEFI Firmware Settings" page, navigate to the Boot section and find "Secure Boot."

Step 4. Change the Secure Boot setting to the opposite of its current set. For example, if it's enabled, disable it.

Fix 7. Address the File System Error to Solve BitLocker Recovery Key Problem

File system errors can corrupt the BitLocker encryption process, triggering the recovery key prompt. Here's how to fix it.

Step 1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options.

Step 2. Open "Command Prompt" and type:

Step 3. Press "Enter" to start the file system check and repair.

Once completed, restart your PC to see if the error has been fixed. If you find this post helpful, remember to share this post to social media like X or Twitter:

Bonus Tips: How to Recover Data if Your BitLocker Keeps Crashing

What to do when you find your BitLocker keeps crashing, but you need the data in the encrypted drive urgently? This is the time when EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard shines. 

This data recovery tool can help you recover data from encrypted hard drives and regain critical files. The BitLocker encoded drive may occasionally remain unlocked even with the BitLocker restoration key and password entered. Corruption is one of the most likely causes of a locked BitLocker drive. Strong EaseUS data recovery software is required in this situation. But EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can help you recover data from corrupted, failed, or erased BitLocker encrypted drives.

Conclusion

The "Enter the recovery key to get going again" error can be really frustrating. Thankfully, there are several fixes to try. Unlocking BitLocker, switching boot modes, and fixing file system issues can help you get back into your system. You can also consider using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for data recovery. Whether it's recovering lost files from encrypted drives or after a system failure, this tool offers an easy and efficient way to safeguard your data.

FAQs

We've got you covered if you're still facing challenges or have more questions about the "Enter the recovery key to get going again" error. Below are answers to some common questions that can help clarify the situation further.

1. What is the enter recovery key to get going again?

The "enter recovery key to get going again" error occurs when BitLocker detects a potential security risk or system change, requiring you to enter a recovery key to unlock your encrypted drive.

2. How do I get my recovery key back?

You can do this by logging into your Microsoft account (if saved there), checking a USB drive or printout, or asking your organization's IT administrator if it's a work device.

3. Where do I enter the recovery key ID  for the recovery key?

You can enter your recovery key in the BitLocker prompt that appears on your screen after the system detects a security change. This prompt will request your 48-digit recovery key to proceed.