Unlocks a BitLocker-protected drive by using a recovery password or a recovery key. This guide lists the documented syntax and parameters for manage bde unlock; check Microsoft Learn for version, role and execution-context requirements.
manage-bde -unlock {-recoverypassword -password | -recoverykey <pathtoexternalkeyfile>} <drive> [-certificate {-cf pathtocertificatefile | -ct certificatethumbprint} {-pin}] [-password] [-computername <name>] [{-?|/?}] [{-help|-h}]The linked Microsoft Learn article is the upstream authority. Availability may depend on Windows release, role, optional feature or interactive tool context.
Syntax pattern from Microsoft Learn; replace placeholders and choose only one documented alternative before use.
manage-bde -unlock {-recoverypassword -password | -recoverykey <pathtoexternalkeyfile>} <drive> [-certificate {-cf pathtocertificatefile | -ct certificatethumbprint} {-pin}] [-password] [-computername <name>] [{-?|/?}] [{-help|-h}]| Option / clause | Description |
|---|---|
-recoverypassword | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
-password | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
-unlock | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
-recoverykey | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<pathtoexternalkeyfile> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<drive> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
-certificate | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
-cf | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
-ct | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
-pin | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
-computername | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<name> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
-? | Display command help or the supported command-line usage. |
/? | Display command help or the supported command-line usage. |
-help | Display command help or the supported command-line usage. |
-h | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
Review a command and its target before running it. Commands that alter files, services, accounts, disks, permissions or databases may be difficult to reverse. Test in a safe environment and keep backups.