The BitLocker PIN/Password: How to Use It?

Data on your computer is usually best protected via using encryption. Third-party tools are plentiful, but it can be hard to tell them apart from malware. “Go to Windows BitLocker”. Your computer’s default security software encrypts disks. You can only access them using a BitLocker PIN or password after that. Many find it difficult to recall platform codes. This article explains how to change BitLocker passwords and reset forgotten PINs.

What’s a BitLocker Password/Pin?

A motherboard-mounted Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip activates a BitLocker password or PIN. It is tied to the BIOS, therefore the system cannot start without it. Additionally, the chip interacts with Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM) to protect your system.

BitLocker passwords and PINs are stored in the TPM. No external source can override it. It remembers the PIN/password when removed and reinserted.

1.1 Uses

You enable BitLocker on boot or for individual disks with your PIN password or PIN. It can encrypt pen drive and external SSDs with BitLocker to Go.

1.2-Digit BitLocker PIN/Password

BitLocker specifies PIN or password requirements during setup. Only numerical numbers can be used for PINs of 4 to 7 digits. Avoid including your address or birthday. Choose easy-to-remember numbers like your favorite hotel’s building number or the distance between two dream travel spots.

The minimum password length box should be filled with the number you want. By default, Windows sets it to 8. Passwords can be numbers, letters, or special characters, giving you more options than PINs. Use all of them and make your password long but easy to remember. Short, space-free sentences work best. Replace characters like ‘S’ with ‘$’ or ‘K’ for ‘&.’

Part 2: PIN or Password BitLocker Setup

Setting up BitLocker in Windows 10 or 11 is simple. The following procedure works.

Access Control Panel from Start. You can also open it by putting ‘Control Panel’ into the search box.

Browse System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.

Select Manage BitLocker at the top.

Select Turn On BitLocker next to the drive.

After following the on-screen instructions

BitLocker will be enabled. Enable it on Windows startup or specified drives. BitLocker is constantly on, not only when you need data.

Part 3. BitLocker PIN/Password Change

Some BitLocker PIN or password changes need the user to recall their former login credentials. You can change your BitLocker password or PIN from the drive if you keep your old one. To change password:

Right-click the drive on your computer.

Select Change BitLocker PIN or Password from the drop-down menu.

Enter your old password and set a new one on the next screen.

Click Change Password or PIN at the bottom.

Once you alter the BitLocker password or PIN, it only applies to that disk or system. But if you forget it, you’ll need the same recovery keys from your Microsoft account.

Part 4. Forgotten PIN or Password? Unlock Your Computer

If you forget your password, BitLocker generates numerous recovery keys. They are 48-digit alphanumeric sequences on your computer and Microsoft account. Search for ‘BitLocker recovery key’ in Explorer or your Microsoft account. Do the same with your phone or another PC.

With the recovery keys, you can log into your computer or BitLocker-encrypted drive:

Start your system or double-click the BitLocker-protected drive.

Select More Options and click Enter recovery key in the login page. Press Esc at the bootup screen.

Screen displays Key ID. It helps you find your account’s recovery key. Enter it in the dialogue box and press Enter.

BitLocker will ask for a new password or PIN when unlocking the drive. You can disable BitLocker completely.

Part 5. Reset Forgotten BitLocker PIN/Password

If you forget your BitLocker credentials, repeat the above process with Reset Forgotten PIN/Password. Command Prompt is faster.

From Start, open Command Prompt in administrator mode.

Type this command:

Manage-bde-changepin X:

Replace ‘X’ with the drive name. If you have a password instead of a PIN, use -changepassword.

Enter your new password or PIN. Two security checks are required, and your new credentials aren’t displayed.

Press Enter.

Log into your BitLocker encrypted drive with the new credentials. However, recovery keys are not protected by this method. Use your old recovery keys if you have login troubles later.

Conclusion

That’s everything about BitLocker PIN or password on your machine. To avoid becoming confused with all the codes and combinations, only utilize it for a few crucial data places on your system. We hope this guide was helpful.