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BitLocker shut me out of my computer

Ruth Harris 0 Reputation points
2026-05-06T04:25:53.65+00:00

I recently renewed my subscription for Office 365. Windows 11 locked me out through BitLocker, and I had to clean the computer because I was unable to retrieve my recovery key. Is the recently-paid subscription still valid, or am I on the hook for paying again?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-05-06T04:26:02.9333333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The Office 365 / Microsoft 365 subscription is completely separate from BitLocker and from any reset or clean install of Windows. Cleaning or reinstalling the computer because of BitLocker does not cancel or consume the subscription.

    If the subscription was renewed successfully, it remains valid for the full term that was paid for, and it can be used again on the same device after reinstalling Windows or on a different device signed in with the same Microsoft account.

    To confirm the status before paying anything again:

    1. Go to the Microsoft account subscriptions page and check that the Microsoft 365 subscription shows as active and verify the expiration date.
    2. If the expiration date or status does not look correct, contact Microsoft Support for subscription/billing help.

    In the meantime, if there is any issue installing the desktop apps, Office Online can be used for free in a browser at Office.com.

    References:

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  1. Estrella721 36,555 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-06T05:05:07.84+00:00

    Hi,

    Yes, your Microsoft 365 subscription remains valid even after performing a clean installation on your computer.

    Your subscription is linked to your Microsoft account, not the device, so there is no need to pay again.

    Sign in to your Microsoft account used for the purchase here: https://account.microsoft.com/services

    Once signed in, locate Microsoft Office and click Install to download the installer. Run the file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

    After installation, open any Office app such as Word or Excel, then sign in using the same Microsoft account to activate your subscription.

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