BitLocker checks system integrity at startup by comparing current configurations against an initial baseline to prevent unauthorized access. If validation fails while protection is enabled, the OS drive locks and triggers Recovery Mode.
Exiting Recovery Mode
In order to exit Recovery Mode, the correct recovery key for the encrypted operating system drive must be entered into the field provided. The recovery key can be obtained by using the Self-Service Portal (https://bitlocker.towson.edu) or by contacting the Faculty/Staff Help Center.
Self-Service Portal
The Self-Service Portal can be used by all Towson University faculty and staff to retrieve recovery keys for their own computers and devices. It cannot be used to retrieve recovery keys for other computers and devices that your Towson E-mail address is not associated with. To retrieve the recovery key from the Self-Service Portal:
- From another device, browse to https://bitlocker.towson.edu
- Sign in using your regular Towson University Email address.
- Select the PC you're locked out of.
- Under the Drive Encryption section, click Get recovery key.
- Click Show recovery key. If there are multiple drives, select the OS Drive.
- Your recovery key appears. Write down or copy the code and enter it into the BitLocker recovery screen on your computer. For security reasons, the key disappears after five minutes. To see the key again, select Show recovery key.
- In the left pane, Click My Account drop down and selected Devices and expand the device for which you need to retrieve the recovery key
Microsoft Articles for More Information and Alternate Steps for Key Retrieval