I bought a brand-new computer with Windows 11 installed and found that it has BitLocker encryption already enabled. Then I retrieve the recovery key from the seller. As it’s 48 digits long, is it automatically generated? Can I change it for my own?
Yes, recovery key is automatically generated by the system. And you cannot change it yourself, it can only be altered by re-enabling BitLocker encryption. Otherwise, it always remains the same.
When you enable BitLocker on a drive, a new recovery key is generated to replace the old one in the meantime. The BitLocker recovery key appears as a 48-digit random number, and its generation primarily relies on the creation of the Full-Volume Encryption Key (FVEK).
When BitLocker encryption is applied to a drive, the FVEK is then encrypted with one or more recovery key protectors to generate the recovery key. FVEK is crucial in the entire BitLocker system, with each encrypted drive has its own independent FVEK key.
BitLocker provides the option to save the recovery key in BitLocker Active Directory, such as a Microsoft account, or on a USB flash drive. And other alternative options as follows:
Save to your Microsoft account: It’s to save the BitLocker recovery key to Microsoft account for centralized management. Besides, it allows remotely access the recovery key to unlock your computer in case of emergency.
Save to a USB flash drive: This way provides an offline backup BitLocker recovery key. Note: Unlike using a startup key to unlock BitLocker, saving the recovery key to a USB flash drive, it’s in the form of a txt file, not a BitLocker bek file.
Save to file: You can choose a specific secure directory to store the file. When needed, you can quick search for the corresponding file. The file is typically named as follows, end with a string of characters representing the identifier.
BitLocker Recovery Key 21E5AC41-9B26-44B3-B914-E73AB20B7C6E.TXT
Print the recovery key: Print the recovery key file and place it to a physical location, locking it in a safe deposit box, it will be difficult for hackers to find your key file through intruding into your computer.
A recovery key is to ensure that you can still access your data if you forget your password or experience other issues. As it’s too long to remember, therefore, you’d better to set a self-defined BitLocker password or PIN code for double insurance.
Right here to answer it for you. The BitLocker USB key, known as the USB startup key, is typically used for storing BitLocker key on a USB flash drive in the form of a file.
Lydia
I'm happy to answer for you. Setting and changing the encryption password is one of the essential aspects of using BitLocker.
Lydia
Yes, you can format a BitLocker-encrypted drive without the recovery key or password. However, once formatted, the drive will lose the protection provided by BitLocker and can be accessed directly.
Benjamin
Sure, I’m glad to answer your questions. Pre-boot authentication with BitLocker refers to the process of confirming your identity before entering the system.
Benjamin
