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Drive Encryption is a wonderful feature.
But if you lose your encryption key, you’ll never be able to access your data.
Here’s how you’re free to back up your encryption key somewhere safe.
What Is Encryption?
Windows has been slow to adopt drive encryption, but that is gradually changing.
Related:Should You Upgrade to the Professional Version of Windows 11?
In that case, your recovery key is stored on Microsoft’s servers.
We’ll cover both scenarios.
Users that have the Professional version of Windows 11 will have additional options associated with BitLocker.
These instructions are designed to be one-size-fits-all and will work regardless of your Windows version.
it’s possible for you to copy and paste it, screenshot it, or write it down.
Alternatively, it’s possible for you to make PowerShell write the information to a text file instead.
This writes it to a “TXT” file on the Desktop named “recoverykey.txt.”
That message would seem to imply that your equipment is not encrypted until you log into a Microsoft account.
That impression is wrong.
Your gear will be encrypted, and you must be sure to manually back up your recovery key.
Where Should I Store My Recovery Key?
Don’t just save it onto your PC’s hard drive either.
It is completely useless there, since you wouldn’t be able to access it when you need it.
Related:What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
You could also take a photo of it with your cellphone.
However, you’re free to upload it to any reputable cloud service you like.
If you have a safe for important files, documents, or photos, you could put it there.
Alternatively, you could just file it away with the rest of your paperwork.
Just don’t lose it.
Regardless of which options you choose, you should store your recovery key in a few locations.
Losing access to your files because you lost your recovery key is entirely preventable if you plan in advance.
