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Format Bitlocker encrypted disk without key

Pedro Alves 96 Reputation points
2021-04-14T10:05:11.04+00:00

I have a SSD disk bitlocker encrypted, but i don't know the key. I don't want to recover any data, i just want to format it, but it doesn't allow to format. Can anyone help?

Windows 10 Security
Windows 10 Security
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Security: The precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, or another threat.
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  1. Pedro Alves 96 Reputation points
    2021-04-15T12:51:42.343+00:00

    So... Manufacter says that the only solution is to unlock bitlocker and Microsoft says the same... And if i don't have the key, there is no solution!

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-04-14T18:23:44.327+00:00

    Might try from a different PC

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  2. Pedro Alves 96 Reputation points
    2021-04-14T19:10:21.183+00:00

    I tried with several different computers and i keep having the same problems

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  3. M W 1 Reputation point
    2021-10-17T14:28:11.973+00:00

    As @Anonymous suggested the "CLEAN" command from DISKPART did do the trick on a Bitlocker encrypted drive from Windows 10 Home machine connected via USB to an external hard drive.

    Running DISKPART > Select Disk > Select Partition > CLEAN

    That's all it took in my case.
    Fully updated and patched Windows 10 Version 10.0.19043 Build 19043 Microsoft Windows 10 Home

    Thanks @Anonymous for the Tech Tip!

  4. Old Techy 0 Reputation points
    2023-07-17T02:53:29.7166667+00:00

    IF the computer it came from a computer that was set up with your microsoft account, you can get the recovery keys here...

    https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey

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