If you cannot open an encrypted BitLocker drive due to a Windows upgrade, hardware change, lost recovery key, failing disk etc., your files behind encryption are probably fine; provided we have access to your recovery key/password/Microsoft account we will image the drive, repair the volume and recover your data.
If a BitLocker drive is requesting a recovery key it means that almost always your data is still safe, so do not wipe/reformat it / reinstall Windows / reset the TPM (you can lose the keys forever) before recovering your data. Locate your 48 digit recovery key: there could be many places this is located such as in your Microsoft account, your workplace’s Azure AD / domain, a print out of the key, or saved to a USB / file. We need you to bring both items to us. Should the disk itself be failing, please do not use it any more and allow us to image it before attempting to recover your data. As long as you provide your recovery key or password recovery is highly possible.
A locked encrypted drive in most cases means either you have lost the key used to lock it, damaged the volume or the disk is failing (the data has not been destroyed), and using your credentials we will usually be able to retrieve them.
We retrieve lost files from all major encryption systems, as long as you provide proof of ownership and provide the decryption key/password/recovery information. The encryption stays intact; we just retrieve your files from behind it.
Windows, macOS and Linux · laptops, PCs, servers and NAS · self-encrypting drives · password-protected USB sticks and external drives.
Recovering an encrypted hard drive involves making a safe, sector by sector image of the drive. Then we extract the data from the encrypted portion of the drive based on either your password/decryption key, or through forensic and brute force methods when you don’t have access to this information. We make sure not to modify the original disk in any way.
Please tell us about the drive (encryption method, etc.) and what keys/passwords/recovery information you may have available.
If the recovery key was misplaced, we’ll help you locate it: your Microsoft Account, your company’s Azure Active Directory (AD) or domain, a printed version, a keyfile, or a USB storage device.
We create a complete sector by sector image of the encrypted drive and perform our work from this copy exclusively, thus ensuring the original remains unaltered; especially important if the physical drive itself is also failing.
When the BitLocker/container header/metadata become corrupted/damaged, we restore the headers/structures for the encrypted volume allowing it to be unlocked.
Using your recovery key, password or credentials, we will unlock the volume and decrypt data from our image using the same information you provided us in order to obtain access to your data.
If you do not know your BitLocker key, then we will utilise advanced Forensic and Brute force techniques to decrypt your files.
Next, we will extract your files and verify that they open correctly. Additionally, we will verify there were no missing files.
Once we’ve completed the above steps, your recovered decrypted data will be transferred to fresh media or via a secure transfer method.
We can also recover data from other types of encrypted drives (BitLocker, FileVault, VeraCrypt etc.) on laptops, desktops, servers, NAS devices as well as USB devices utilising a read-only image of your drive and unlocking it using either your own key or password.
Tell us what happened and we will get back to you, usually within one working day.
We will be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.
There are no hidden costs and/or pressures, simply a complimentary examination and a detailed written quotation prior to commencing any repair.
Recent examples of BitLocker and encrypted-drive recoveries. Owners’ names redacted; ownership verified.
The owner had saved their key within their Microsoft account. We retrieved this information, created an image of their SSD and unlocked the volume. All their data back.
We made an image of the failing disk read-only and fixed the BitLocker metadata which enabled us to unlock the volume using the recovery key. Fully recovered all data.
The owner had their recovery key printed out. We restored the volume header and unlocked it allowing us to recover every file.
All reviews posted on this website are based upon real customer responses; none have been created by us.
No invented reviews here — every testimonial we publish is genuine. Ask us to arrange a reference for a job like yours on 0117 332 1137.
Send us your device for a no-obligation free diagnostic and let us know what went wrong. One of our engineers will inspect it and confirm your exact quote in writing prior to doing any work.
To get started with recovering your data, first get your device to us. Wrap it securely, write your contact details on a slip of paper inside the package, include a brief description of what happened and post it to us. After running a complimentary diagnostic we will write to you confirming the exact price prior to starting work.
Do you want to post the device to us? We highly recommend using a trackable postal service with insurance. Would you prefer to deliver it yourself? That’s fine too. Our office hours for accepting deliveries are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Please make sure to wrap the device as described previously.
Need some additional information regarding our data recovery services? Fill out the form and provide further detail about your problem and one of our engineers will review it and offer you a personalised quote.
We’ll be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.
These are the questions we get asked most about recovering BitLocker & other types of encrypted drives.
Yes, for the majority of cases, provided that you have access to your recovery key/password/Microsoft account details and can verify the device belongs to you. Once verified, we make a read-only image of the drive. We fix any errors in the volume if required, and use your login credentials to unlock your data (even if the drive is failing).
Do not re-format or re-install. Often your 48 digit key has been saved somewhere. Check your Microsoft account under “devices”, your workplace Azure AD or domain, any printed copies of your key, any key files you may have saved on a USB stick or other location. Bring anything you can find and we will continue with your recovery.
In some cases, yes, with our forensics services. Keys may also reside within RAM on the system or temporary files on the computer. If there is a key or credentials available we can almost always assist; however, if no keys or credentials exist and/or cannot be located then recovery can become very difficult.
Yes, that’s exactly what we do: we first take a read-only image of the failing disk, repair any errors within the encrypted volume on the copy, then unlock and recover your data using your credentials. Taking an image helps protect whatever is left on a dying drive.
Yes. As well as BitLocker and BitLocker To Go, we also recover from other types of encryption including: Mac FileVault, VeraCrypt and TrueCrypt containers, Linux LUKS and dm-crypt, self-encrypting drives, password protected USB and external drives, either by using your login credentials or recovery key.
A Windows update, an updated motherboard, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) changes or a BIOS reset could cause BitLocker to fail over to its recovery key which you created the moment encryption was enabled. There should be nothing wrong with your data. You simply need to locate that recovery key. Once you have located it, recovering your data will be easy and painless.
Yes. We handle all encrypted recoveries confidentially and securely. We would also be happy to work under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). All of your files remain private while being recovered. After your files are returned to you, we securely wipe them from our servers.
BitLocker and encrypted drive recovery is charged at £800 + VAT per one disk system. For all BitLocker forensic recovery services we charge 50% labour fees upfront, and the remaining 50% you only pay if we recover your data. If your drive is physically failing, please note that prior to starting any work, we will inform you in writing of any additional costs involved.
Please drop off the device at our Bristol offices, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm or send it to us by post, fully insured. When sending your device, include your contact information and if you still have it, your recovery key, so we can schedule it in as soon as possible and begin the process after the free diagnostic.
Free diagnostic: ownership verification; BitLocker or encrypted drive recovery (even from a failing disk) with data decryption and return. Contact us today.