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When I turn on a Middlebury-owned Windows computer I see a screen that asks for a recovery key in order to load Windows. What do I do?
About encryption & recovery: BitLocker encryption protects data on hard drives from prying eyes. Physical access to a computer without encryption enabled may allow access to private and sensitive data, including data protected by statute. Recovery is a state sometimes encountered with computers that are encrypted. Understanding the most common causes and solutions may help you avoid or fix such problems.
About recovery keys: a BitLocker recovery key is a long string of numbers. It may change after being accessed & used one time. It should NOT be stored with a computer. It is intended only in case of emergency.
Recovery causes: Changes to hardware are the most common reason for a recovery screen to appear. Plugging into or unplugging from a USB drive, docking station, or CD/DVD are potential triggers. Running a laptop battery down with a computer asleep may also cause BitLocker recovery. Try disconnecting all cords and devices from the computer except for power and see if the issue goes away.* Next try reconnecting any hardware that was in use when the computer last booted normally. Finally, make sure your laptop battery has had time to recharge before trying again. See documentation links below from Microsoft and Apple for more details.
Acquiring the recovery key: Middlebury sets up storage for recovery keys on your behalf. If your computer was prepared after February, 2020 it is likely that your key is available in the same location that may also include keys for personal computers. Please log in with your Middlebury credentials at the following link to see if your computer is listed and a recovery key can be found.
https://myaccount.microsoft.com/device-list
Computers prepared before March, 2020 or that were not assigned specifically to you will likely require Helpdesk staff assistance. Please open a ticket and provide the Middlebury or MIIS sticker number of the computer.
More about “What causes BitLocker recovery” from Microsoft: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-recovery-guide-plan#what-is-bitlocker-recovery
*A low battery level may result in repeated BitLocker prompts after entering the key. Please allow battery to charge to 30% in this case.
Personal Computer
This article is specific to computers owned and managed by Middlebury. However, personal computers may be voluntarily registered to Microsoft using Middlebury's domain. This provides the convenience of access to BitLocker keys with your Middlebury account, though is not advised if you have a personal Microsoft account to use instead. Or at the very least, you should copy your BitLocker recovery key to a safe location for use after your time with Middlebury.