How to Save and Back Up Your BitLocker Recovery Key

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Open the Manage BitLocker menu

   Click the Start button and type Manage BitLocker. Select the top result to open the BitLocker Drive Encryption control panel. Ensure you have administrative privileges to view these settings.

2. 30 sec

   Select Back up your recovery key

   Identify the drive you wish to back up. Click the link labeled Back up your recovery key located next to the drive icon. If this link is not visible, select Manage BitLocker and choose the option to back up the key again.

   Note: If you do not see the option, your drive may not currently be encrypted.
3. 1 min

   Choose a backup destination

   Select one of the three provided options: Save to your Microsoft account, Save to a file, or Print the recovery key. Saving to your Microsoft account is the most reliable method for cloud-based recovery.

   Note: Never save the key file on the same drive you are protecting.
4. 1 min

   Save the file to a secure location

   If selecting Save to a file, navigate to an external drive or a secure cloud folder that is not synced to the local encrypted drive. Click Save. A .txt file containing the 48-digit recovery key will be generated.

   Note: Verify the file is saved by opening it and confirming the presence of the 48-digit numeric password.
5. 30 sec

   Confirm the key is synced

   If you chose the Microsoft account option, log in to account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey from a different browser or device. Confirm the recovery key appears in the list associated with your specific device ID.

   Note: Always keep a secondary physical copy in a fireproof or secure location.