Windows mechanically enables BitLocker when you sign in with a Microsoft or Azure Active Directory account . But what is the BitLocker recovery key and where is it lay in ? We will address all these query in this post and help you chance and back up your BitLocker recovery key on Windows 11 . get ’s start .

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Why Do I Need the Bitlocker Recovery Key

You may take to observe the BitLocker key after instal a novel update orresetting Windows . In both these situations , a BitLocker window will obturate your access to the system unless you allow the correct 48 - digit Bitlocker recuperation keystone .

Even if you want to make changes to the system using an induction media , you will have to enter the BitLocker convalescence winder to make changes . If you do n’t have the key , it will be out of the question to get at the information stored on encipher effort . You will have to pass over everything on the disc and will lose all the data after doing a overbold installation of Windows 11 .

How to Find the BitLocker Recovery Key

When you signalise in with aMicrosoft accounton your Windows 11 reckoner , the BitLocker password is mechanically saved to the same Microsoft story . When you set up BitLocker manually , it offer multiple options to back up the key to your Microsoft write up , another storage gadget , as a schoolbook file cabinet , and even create a physical written matter of the password .

The well-off way to get to the BitLocker recovery winder is via your Microsoft story . Here ’s how to do it :

1.Open a internet browser app and bring down theofficial Microsoft account login Sir Frederick Handley Page .

Microsoft account devices section

2.Enter your credentials and lumber in to your Microsoft account .

3.Scroll down to the Devices surgical incision . You may see multiple devices if you use the same Microsoft account on multiple computers .

4.press theView detailsoption below your personal computer name .

Device options in Microsoft account

5.Now , go to the BitLocker data protection section and penetrate theManage convalescence keysoption .

6.You will have to verify your personal identity using the appropriate methods listed for your Microsoft explanation .

7.After verification , you will be redirect to the web page where all your recuperation keys will be listed . You may see two or more recuperation keys if you previously enabled BitLocker on all the drives .

BitLocker recovery keys in Microsoft Account

8.The drive markedOSVis the principal drive where Windows 11 instalment is present . All the other drive ( D , E , or others ) will have anFDVtag in the Driver pillar .

9.Copy these recuperation key or take a snapshot of the page . you could apply it to gain access code to your computer by entering the 48 - finger’s breadth recuperation key .

How to Backup the BitLocker Recovery Key

Windows Control Panel provides multiple methods to back up your BitLocker recovery headstone . you may save the key to a single file on another drive and even publish the recovery key . Apart from that , you canuse a word managerservice to make an additional cloud backup of the recovery key fruit . Here ’s how to do it :

1. Using a Text File

you could copy the recovery keystone to a file along with its identifier . The headstone is n’t seeable in the Control Panel but there ’s an option to create a text file . Here ’s how :

1.Press the Windows key fruit , typeControl Panel , and pressEnter .

2.Navigate toSystem and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption . tap theBack up your recovery keyoption .

Start menu

3.select theSave to a fileoption . TheSave aswindow will spread out .

4.Make note that you could not save the file to your C drive or any other encrypted drive . Insert a USB drive , browsing , and select the USB crusade . Then flick on theSavebutton .

5.Don’t end the Control Panel window yet .

BitLocker options in Control Panel

2. Take a Printout

1.In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window , tap thePrint the recovery keyoption .

2.tap thePrintbutton .

3.If you do n’t have a pressman plug into to the computing gadget , a Save as windowpane will afford . Name the recovery headstone file and cluck on theSavebutton .

Control Panel window

4.Lastly , sink in on theFinishbutton .

5.you may impress the PDF file or save it in yourOneDriveor Google Drive account .

3. Saving the Key to a Password Manager

As an extra backing method , you’re able to practice apassword director appto redeem the BitLocker retrieval key . you’re able to use LastPass , Bitwarden , or even chromium-plate to back up your convalescence key . Since these are all cloud - based services , you could get at the retrieval keystone from your computer and phone , or a WWW browser app on any equipment .

FAQs

1 . How do I unlock BitLocker without a recuperation key in Windows 11 ?

There are multiple ways to backup your BitLocker retrieval samara and the most obvious property to look is your Microsoft account . But if you’re able to not access your Microsoft account , or the convalescence drive and file , there is no way around it . You will be locked out and will have to do a impertinent install of Windows 11 using abootable USB drive . There are many third - political party recovery apps that take to extract blue-pencil data point , but we can not verify the genuineness of the claims .

2 . Where is BitLocker in Windows 11 home base ?

saving recovery keys on USB drive

BitLocker is n’t available for theHome variant of Windows10 or 11 . It is only available in the Windows 11 Pro , Enterprise , and Education versions . There is a basic manikin of data encryption present but you wo n’t see all the options in the Control Panel . All you may do is back up your convalescence key . But you may not debar the protective cover in Windows 11 place .

Keep the BitLocker Recovery Key Handy

Microsoft forums feature multiple threads on users facing issues with Windows requesting the BitLocker recovery paint after a organization update or restart . Often , BitLocker will actuate you to enter the retrieval key if it discover a organisation intrusion . So , you could speedily discover your Microsoft account statement or use the recovery Florida key data file saved on another parkway or a word manager app to find the BitLocker retrieval key .

Do you use Control Panel or options app on Windows ? Here ishow they differand why you should commence using the latter .

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Printing BitLocker key

Saving BitLocker key as PDF