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this post was submitted on 05 May 2026
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I don't have Windows 11. Still on 10 until October then switching to Linux.
Don't even bother with 11. At all.
I bought a win11 laptop, didn't create any accounts just installed the os... Then microsoft locked me out of the laptop with thier new bitlocker bs. It won't even let me factory reset the effing thing.
Switched to linux and im happy. It's just a steam deck, but it's still a better pc than the bit brick.
Were you able to get your bitlocker key from your Microsoft account or save it when bitlocker activated? IIRC you can use that key to access the drive from a live Linux USB, get all your files off, then just install said Linux over the encrypted Windows install (which you should be able to do even if you don’t have the key).
There is no key. There's no bitlocker account and theres no Microsoft account.
The key is created when bitlocker activates, if bitlocker is on then there is a key. It’s the same as the password you create when you encrypt your Linux disk, it just creates a stupid long one for you so you will be inclined to make an account to save it rather than just remembering it like a password.
Well theres no MS account, and there's no way past the bitlocker screen, so... Its a bit-brick
That sucks. But like I said before, you should still be able to use the drive/machine. You will just need to reinstall Windows or, preferably, install another OS. I recommend Mint or Fedora if you are new to installing OSes and KDE over Gnome if you are used to Windows.
It won't let me. It even blocks factory resetting. I literally mean it's a brick. I tried for three months to fix it.
I’m confused by what you mean when you say it won’t let you. Windows itself shouldn’t have any say over what’s going on as far as booting like a USB drive goes. Assuming this isn’t an ARM device and even then you should still be able to install Linux, have you turned off Secure Boot or tried resetting the BIOS altogether?
Rebooting, resetting, turning it on, etc, it all goes to the same exact bitlocker screen.
Yes. As ive said ive attempted to reset it for theee months.
What kind of machine is it? Typically you will need to tell it to boot to the USB by hitting F1, or F2, or F12, or Del, etc. immediately after you hit the power button.
That is correct. I know your trying to help. But after multiple months I'm over it.
Fair enough. Best of luck to you!
Thanks man