If you are going to use BitLocker (which is built into Windows Enterprise) to encrypt your computer, make ABSOLUTELY sure that you keep a copy of the key as well as creating a Microsoft account that BitLocker will store the key at,  so you will always remember so there is a way to decrypt your computer.   Otherwise it is basically impossible to decrypt it.

If a BitLocker volume is decrypted without having the key, the data on the volume will be lost and unrecoverable. BitLocker uses encryption to protect data on the volume, and the key is required to access and decrypt the data. Without the key, the data cannot be decrypted and will appear as gibberish.

Attempting to decrypt a BitLocker volume without the key will also trigger a recovery mechanism designed to protect the data in case of unauthorized access. Depending on the system configuration, this may include wiping the key and rendering the data permanently inaccessible, or locking the system and requiring a recovery key to regain access.

It’s important to ensure that the BitLocker recovery key is properly backed up and securely stored to prevent the loss of data in the event of a key loss or system failure.

So….

If you’re using BitLocker on Windows Enterprise to encrypt your computer:

1. Keep a copy of the key: Always store a backup of the BitLocker key [2].
2. Create a Microsoft account: Associate BitLocker with a Microsoft account for key storage, ensuring a means to decrypt your computer [1].
3. Key importance: Without the BitLocker key, decryption becomes nearly impossible, rendering data on the volume irrecoverable.
4. Recovery mechanism: Decrypting without the key triggers a protective mechanism, potentially wiping the key or locking the system, making data permanently inaccessible.
5. Secure backup: Properly backup and securely store the BitLocker recovery key to prevent data loss in case of key loss or system failure [5].

support.microsoft.com

Back up your BitLocker recovery key – Microsoft Support

Having a backup copy of your BitLocker recovery key helps to prevent serious issues later. It takes less than a minute to back up your key and this article will show you how.

support.microsoft.com

Turn on device encryption – Microsoft Support

Learn how to turn on device encryption, or standard BitLocker encryption in Windows.

support.microsoft.com

Finding your BitLocker recovery key in Windows – Microsoft Support

Learn different ways to locate your BitLocker recovery key in Windows, and learn about how BitLocker might have been activated on your system.