Back up your BitLocker recovery key

BitLocker and device encryption protect the drive. After a firmware change, a missed sign-in, or some updates, Windows can ask for the recovery key. Without those 48 digits, Microsoft cannot unlock the drive for you.

1. On a PC that still signs in, open Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption, or search for Manage BitLocker.
2. Choose Back up your recovery key and save it to your Microsoft account, a file, or a printout. A second copy is worth having.
3. If you are already locked out, go to account.microsoft.com/devices from another device, sign in, and look for the BitLocker recovery key on that device.
4. Match the Key ID on the blue recovery screen to the Key ID shown on the account. Enter the key that matches.

Never send the recovery key to someone who contacts you. A caller who asks for it is not from Microsoft support.