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SURFACE RT AND RECOVERY KEY

Michael Elem 0 Reputation points
2026-02-27T14:53:40.9266667+00:00

I purchased a surface RT years ago it’s still working, but I can’t find the password. I don’t have the bit. locker key or recovery key in order to reset it I’ve searched my Microsoft account and the computer is not listed as a purchase which I found unusual because I did purchase it for Microsoft. I need help to reset the computer unfortunately I can’t find a bit locker key. When I went through the reset process, I stopped on in the recovery key section. It did give me a key ID. Please advise.

Thank you

<moderate note: PII removed>

Surface | Surface Laptop | Install and update
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  1. Thomas4-N 10,990 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-09T10:47:40.16+00:00

    Hello Michael Elem, welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    Unfortunately, the BitLocker recovery key can only be found in the Microsoft account that originally enabled encryption on your Surface RT. If you've checked all Microsoft accounts you may have used with that device and the key isn't at https://account.microsoft.com/devices, Microsoft cannot recover or regenerate lost BitLocker key.

    If you still want to unlock the device and use it, it's still possible without the key. You can reset it, but this will permanently erase all data on the device:

    • Download the Surface RT recovery image from the Surface Recovery Image download page
    • Create a bootable USB drive (16GB or larger, FAT32 format) with the recovery image
    • Shut down your Surface RT, insert the USB, then hold Volume Down and press Power to boot from USB
    • When prompted for the BitLocker recovery key, select "Skip this drive"
    • Follow the prompts to factory reset

    Let me know if you need any help. Warm regards,

    Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data. 

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