How to Make Sure Your BitLocker Key Is Backed Up

1. Check Where Your Key Is Stored

Before backing it up, confirm where Windows has placed it.

Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Privacy & Security

3. Select Device Encryption or BitLocker Drive Encryption

4. Click Manage BitLocker

5. Next to your drive, click Back up your recovery key

This will show you your existing key and where it’s currently saved.

? Recommended Backup Locations

You can save your BitLocker key to several safe places.
Using at least two is best.

Option 1 — Save to Your Microsoft Account (Highly Recommended)

If you use a Microsoft account to sign in:

1. Go to Manage BitLocker

2. Click Back up your recovery key

3. Choose Save to your Microsoft account

You can verify it here at any time:
https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey

Option 2 — Save to a USB Flash Drive

Good for offline backup.

Steps:

1. Plug in a USB drive

2. Go to Back up your recovery key

3. Choose Save to a USB flash drive

Tip:
Store the USB in a safe place, not attached to the same laptop.

Option 3 — Save to a File

You can store the key as a text file on:

• Another computer

• A secure external drive

• A home server or NAS

Do NOT save it on the same encrypted drive.

Option 4 — Print the Key

Windows lets you print a physical copy.

This is useful for:

• Safes

• Lockboxes

• Business documentation folders

Option 5 — For Business Devices

If your computer is managed by a company:

• BitLocker keys are normally backed up to Azure AD or Active Directory automatically.

• Ask IT to confirm it is backed up properly.

? Best Practices to Keep Your BitLocker Key Safe

• Back up the key in two or more places

• Do not store the key on the encrypted drive itself

• Avoid saving the key in email or cloud storage that is not secure

• Label printed copies clearly

• Keep USB backups in a secure location

• If business-managed, verify IT policy ensures backup