Windows 10: Microsoft Confirms It Can Share Windows 11 BitLocker Keys With Law Enforcement

Windows 11 Cloud Accounts Change How Encryption Keys Are Handled


Microsoft has confirmed that it will provide BitLocker recovery keys to the Federal Bureau of Investigation if presented with a valid legal request. The confirmation follows reporting that Microsoft supplied encryption keys to law enforcement during a criminal investigation in 2025.

The situation is tied directly to how Windows 11 handles device encryption by default. When a user signs in with a Microsoft Account, the operating system automatically backs up the device’s BitLocker recovery key to Microsoft’s cloud unless the user explicitly chooses another option during setup.

Why Microsoft Can Access BitLocker Keys

BitLocker Keys Are Stored With Microsoft Accounts


BitLocker encrypts the data on a Windows PC to protect it if the device is lost or stolen. To prevent permanent data loss, Windows 11 ties the recovery key to the user’s Microsoft Account by default.

This design allows users to recover their data if they are locked out of their PC. It also means Microsoft can access the key stored in its cloud systems when required by law.

Microsoft told Forbes that it receives around 20 requests per year from the FBI for BitLocker recovery keys. In most cases, Microsoft cannot comply because the key was never uploaded. When the key is stored in the cloud, however, Microsoft can provide it.

Legal Requests And Privacy Implications


Microsoft says it only hands over recovery keys when presented with valid legal orders. A company spokesperson stated that while cloud key recovery offers convenience, it also involves trade-offs, and customers are ultimately responsible for deciding how their encryption keys are managed.

The approach differs from some other technology companies. Apple, for example, has publicly resisted law enforcement requests when it does not have technical access to encrypted data. In contrast, Microsoft’s design allows access because the recovery keys are not end-to-end encrypted in a way that prevents the company itself from seeing them.

How To Check And Manage Your BitLocker Recovery Keys


Users can check whether their BitLocker recovery keys are stored in Microsoft’s cloud by visiting their Microsoft Account device management page. From there, keys can be viewed or deleted.

It is also possible to configure Windows to store recovery keys locally or in other locations during setup, but this requires manual action and is not the default behavior when using a Microsoft Account.

What This Means For Windows 11 Users


Windows 11’s mandatory Microsoft Account setup on most consumer editions makes cloud key backup the standard configuration. For users concerned about data access by third parties, this setup may warrant closer inspection of encryption and account settings.

Microsoft has not indicated any plans to change how BitLocker recovery keys are stored by default. For now, users who want full control over their encryption keys must actively manage where those keys are saved.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft Confirms It Can Share Windows 11 BitLocker Keys With Law Enforcement appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

read more...

 

Microsoft assists law enforcement to help disrupt Dorkbot botnets

Read more: Microsoft assists law enforcement to help disrupt Dorkbot botnets - Microsoft Malware Protection Center - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

 

BitLocker Key

There may be a software that triggered the BitLocker in your Windows 10 PC. To assist you better, we suggest that you check these articles for further information:

• Find my BitLocker recovery key.
• BitLocker recovery keys: Frequently asked questions.

• BitLocker

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

bitlocker recovery key

Hi Singh,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

In order to get clarity on this issue and assist you with appropriate troubleshooting steps, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

1. Are you not able login to your computer due to BitLocker Recovery Key?
2. Did you ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key on your computer?
3. Are you not able to login to your Microsoft Account to find the BitLocker Recovery Key?
4. Are you using Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional?

Meanwhile, try finding BitLocker Recovery Key if you have ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key for your computer.

Please elaborate on the issue, so that we can understand the concern and get back to us to help you further.