How can I recover data from a BitLocker encrypted external HDD?

It really depends on the settings her company has for BitLocker. Normally, the password should work on another compatible computer, but the key is a backup if the password isn't working. Make sure to unplug it properly after use and if it unlocks on another device, consider disabling BitLocker for peace of mind.

If she knows the password that she set for the drive, she can definitely unlock it on a different computer. The recovery key is only an alternative unlock method. Just make sure to not physically damage the HDD during this process.

If she has the BitLocker password, she might be able to unlock the drive on a different PC. But it really depends on how the drive was set up. Typically, you need the recovery key as an alternative method for unlocking, which can be tricky if she didn't save it. I'd recommend exploring cloud storage options to back everything up once you regain access, even if it's for a short trial.

You should definitely reach out to your IT support team. It's important to let them know you're trying to manage personal data that got tied up with the work laptop. They might have seen this situation before and could help you recover the data without too much hassle.

Using just the password should be enough to unlock it on another machine, but be cautious. If the HDD was encrypted with additional security from her work, you might run into issues. In any case, if she has the password, it’s worth trying on a personal computer. Just don’t forget to make backups once you get in!