Are you using Windows 10 Pro? If so, you get to use this great security feature. It encrypts your data and keeps it safe from potential attacks while also being very user-friendly.
Data encryption is one of the most popular ways to protect your devices for a reason. If your job requires high confidentiality or you just want to feel safe while using your computer, BitLocker may be the right choice for you.
For BitLocker, you will need to use a PIN code.
If, for any reason, you want to change it, continue reading this article to learn how.
Changing Your PIN
When you encrypt the data on your computer, you need to enter a PIN if you want to unlock it. Typically, Windows Pro is managed by an organization, so the requirements related to the PIN will depend on your company and the data you’re protecting.
In some cases, you will need to enter the PIN before you start the operating system on your computer.
What happens if you want to change your PIN?
Follow the instructions below to change it, and bear in mind that the same steps apply to changing your password too.
- Go to the taskbar and select Start.
- Choose Control Panel and in the new window, click on System and Security.
- Choose BitLocker Encryption Options.
- If you want to change your PIN, click on Manage Your PIN.
- In the next step, you’ll need to enter a new PIN in two fields.
- Click on Reset PIN to save changes.
If you’re simply changing your password, just select Manage Your Password in step four.
What If You Forget Your PIN?
You can quickly solve the issue by contacting your Help Desk. They will help you unlock any files encrypted by BitLocker.
If you need assistance from Help Desk, follow the instructions below:
1. Prepare the information that Help Desk will need in order to help you:
The first eight digits of your recovery key, your user name, and your domain.
If you’re not sure what your recovery key is, don’t worry. Once you enter a wrong PIN, you will see it on your screen, in the BitLocker Recovery console. It has 32 digits, but you only need the first eight for now.
2. Help Desk will send you an email or contact you via your phone to give you a new recovery key. Type this in the BitLocker Recovery console, and your computer will be unlocked.
The same goes for if you forget your password.
The only difference, in that case, is that you need to open the BitLocker Encryption Options in the Control Panel application. From there, choose Unlock Drive, and select the I cannot remember my password option. On the next screen, you’ll see a recovery key ID that you can then send to the Help desk.
Backing Up the Recovery Key
To make sure you can access your data at all times, you should back up your recovery key.
Fortunately, there are three different options to do this.
You can:
- Save it to a file.
- Save it to your Microsoft account, or
- Print it.
Keeping the recovery key on your Microsoft account is highly recommended. If you need to recover it, you can access the key after logging in to your account and opening the BitLocker Recovery Keys window.
If you’d rather keep the key in a file, ensure it’s on a non-encrypted device. This is because you won’t be able to access any of your files if you lose the BitLocker key.
Can You Turn BitLocker Off?
Yes, you can. You may want to turn off data encryption on your device, and you can do this in a few steps.
- Log in to your computer.
- Open a window and enter BitLocker into the search box.
- Press Enter.
- On the BitLocker Drive Encryption page, choose ‘Turn off BitLocker.’
Data Security at Its Best
If you opt for BitLocker, it’s unlikely you’ll be dissatisfied with this data encryption tool. It’ll keep the information on your computer safe and allow you to quickly access it whenever you need it.
When you wish to change your PIN, you can do so easily since the program is straightforward. However, you will need to follow your company’s guidelines when setting a new PIN because it’ll depend on several factors.
If you forget your PIN or password, Help Desk is there to assist.
What has your experience with BitLocker been like? Let us know in the comments section below.
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