How to Change and Reset BitLocker Encryption Password PIN Code

BitLocker is a data protection feature in Windows that provides encryption for entire drives to prevent unauthorized access to data. When enabling BitLocker, you can configure it to require a password or PIN to unlock encrypted drives. It is recommended to periodically change your BitLocker password or PIN to improve security. This article provides steps to change or reset your BitLocker password or PIN code in Windows.

Change BitLocker Password in File Explorer

• Right-click on the BitLocker encrypted drive in File Explorer and select Change BitLocker password
• Enter the old password and then the new password twice
• Click Change password

You will see a confirmation that the password has been successfully changed.

Change BitLocker Password in Control Panel

• Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Expand the drive and click Change password
• Enter the old and new password and click Change password

Reset Forgotten BitLocker Password

If you forgot your BitLocker password:

• Restart your PC and press Esc at the BitLocker screen
• Note down the 8-digit Recovery Key ID
• Contact your IT admin and provide the Recovery Key ID
• IT will provide a 48-digit Recovery Password to unlock the drive
• Enter the Recovery Password to unlock and access the drive
• Reset your password using the steps above

Change BitLocker PIN Code in Control Panel

To change your BitLocker startup PIN:

• Open Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Expand the OS drive and click Change PIN
• Enter the old PIN and new PIN twice
• Click Reset PIN

Reset Forgotten BitLocker PIN

If you forgot your BitLocker startup PIN:

• Restart your PC and press Esc at the BitLocker screen
• Note the 8-digit Recovery Key ID
• Contact IT admin and provide the Recovery Key ID
• IT will provide the Recovery Password
• Enter the Recovery Password to unlock the drive
• Reset your PIN using the Control Panel steps above

Change BitLocker Password Using Command Prompt

To change BitLocker password using Command Prompt:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Enter: manage-bde -changepassword X: (Replace X with your drive letter)
• Enter old and new password
• Confirm new password

You will see a confirmation message after successfully changing the password.

Change BitLocker PIN Using Command Prompt

To change your BitLocker startup PIN using Command Prompt:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Enter: manage-bde -changepin X: (Replace X with your drive letter)
• Enter new PIN twice

Your PIN will be changed successfully.

Best Practices for BitLocker Encryption

Here are some best practices to follow when configuring BitLocker encryption:

• Use a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip for enhanced security
• Store recovery keys in Active Directory or Azure Active Directory
• Develop detailed policies and procedures for BitLocker management
• Educate end users on encryption and usage of recovery keys
• Schedule encryption during off-peak hours to minimize impact
• Test BitLocker encryption on a small group before organization-wide deployment

Following these best practices will ensure optimum security and accessibility when leveraging BitLocker drive encryption to protect sensitive data.

Conclusion

BitLocker drive encryption provides vital protection against unauthorized data access on lost, stolen or decommissioned drives. Periodically changing passwords, PINs and securely managing recovery keys are crucial for maintaining security. This article covered the necessary steps to change BitLocker credentials and best practices for deployment. Implementing these guidelines will enable robust safeguarding of sensitive data through BitLocker encryption.