Users that have a Microsoft Account can recover their BitLocker encryption key online too. Say you’re walking through an airport and need to step through a security checkpoint.

Microsoft may have your encryption key; here’s how to take it back ... Device encryption is a simplified version of the BitLocker drive encryption that made its debut in Windows Vista in 2006.

Most users will be better off with the automatic option, Recover from WinPE, so start there and only move on if you’re prompted for a BitLocker key you can’t get. If you need but can’t get a ...