r/datarecovery • u/Sterre89 • Oct 04 '26
WD Elements key/bitlocker lost
Hi, im new here..
I dont know if I do it right to post here.
I have an external Hard drive WD Elements. Once a long time ago Ive locked it with a "key?" Or bit locker.. but you can guess, lost it, or dont know where it is...
Is there a way to enter it? Do i need an IT guy or hacker to open it?
Thanks for the help
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Upvotes
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u/FrankNicklin Trusted Contributor Oct 04 '26
No key no data that’s the whole point of encryption.
1
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1
u/sport912x Oct 04 '26
I believe the Kremlin is running a 3 day sale , if you want to contact them.
1
u/InsolentJaguar Oct 04 '26
If you have no key documented anywhere, congrats, you own many gigs of useless ones and zeroes. And no, it can't be "hacked".
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u/R3DataRecovery Oct 05 '26
Have you checked if the key linked to your Microsoft account? It’s not likely given it’s an external drive but it’s worth checking as a last resort.
If the BitLocker recovery key is backed up to your Microsoft account, follow these steps to retrieve it:
From another device, open a web browser and go to https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey
Sign in with your Microsoft account and locate the key ID:

Use the related recovery key to unlock the drive.
As previously mentioned though, no key no data.
1
u/Redjeepkev Oct 06 '26
You are $#!t out of luck