---
title: "Getting a BitLocker Recovery Key for a Locally Bound Computer"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10795188701/Getting%20a%20BitLocker%20Recovery%20Key%20for%20a%20Locally%20Bound%20Computer"
format: markdown
---
Faculty and staff can unlock their encrypted computer using the [MBAM self-service portal](https://bitlocker.uconn.edu). If the client detects conditions that suggest improper access (e.g., incorrect password entered or operating system files or BIOS were changed), it puts the computer into a recovery mode that requires a key to unlock. 

> ℹ️ MBAM (Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring) provides enterprise management capabilities for BitLocker, Microsoft disk encryption technology that protects data against unauthorized access if a computer is lost or stolen.

> ✅ **Is my computer “Intune-enrolled”?**
> ✅ 
> ✅ Most Dell computers purchased after January 2023 through the University PC Refresh Program are enrolled in Intune, the new device management tool utilized by ITS. If you sign into your computer with your UConn email and password, it is likely Intune-enrolled. If you use your NetID, it is probably not enrolled.
> ✅ 
> ✅ If your UConn computer is enrolled in Intune, see this tutorial instead: [https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/26239893556](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/26239893556)

![Bitlocker recovery screen asks for the key](media://f9d65f5b-5550-47fa-97a4-74d40caacafc)

This error can occur from the following:

- Power Outage
- Unexpected Restart
- Windows Updates
- Hardware Issues
- Replacement Hardware
- BIOS Changes

Most of the time, this issue is easily fixed by pulling a recovery key. 

1. Record the first 8 characters of your key ID.
2. Navigate to the [UConn Bitlocker](https://bitlocker.uconn.edu/) page.
3. Log in with your NetID.
4. Enter the first 8 characters of your key.
5. Select a reason from the drop-down menu.
6. Select **Get Key **to generate a 48-digit numeric key.
7. On the **Bitlocker recovery screen **on your computer, enter the numeric key into the **Enter the recovery key for this drive **field.
8. Click **Enter**.

> ⚠️ You may need to wait as the computer unlocks.

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