Encrypt PC Disk: Keep Keys From Microsoft - A Comprehensive Guide
In early 2025, Forbes reported that the FBI served Microsoft with a warrant seeking BitLocker encryption recovery keys for laptops linked to fraud in Guam’s COVID-19 unemployment assistance program. And Microsoft complied. This incident highlights a critical privacy concern: while BitLocker, Windows’ full-disk encryption technology, protects your data, storing recovery keys with Microsoft potentially grants them – and by extension, law enforcement – access to your encrypted drive. This article delves into the implications of this situation, explores the risks, and provides a step-by-step guide on how to encrypt your PC disk while keeping your recovery keys securely in your own control.
Understanding BitLocker and the Key Issue
BitLocker has been a cornerstone of Windows security for nearly two decades. Initially, it was exclusive to Pro editions and required manual activation. However, Microsoft now automatically encrypts local disks on Windows 11 Home and Pro PCs that sign in with a Microsoft account. This convenience comes with a trade-off: your recovery key is uploaded to Microsoft’s servers. This is designed to help you unlock your disk if you encounter system issues, hardware changes, or forget your password. However, as the FBI warrant demonstrates, it also means Microsoft can potentially unlock your disk upon legal request.
Microsoft states they receive “around 20” similar BitLocker recovery key requests annually from government authorities, with many requests failing because users haven’t stored their keys with Microsoft. While Microsoft and other tech companies generally resist installing universal encryption backdoors for law enforcement, the current system still presents a potential privacy vulnerability. Companies like Apple claim to use an additional layer of encryption to protect device keys, making them inaccessible even to the company itself. However, relying on a third party, even a trusted one, to hold your recovery keys carries inherent risks, especially given increasing government interest in targeting journalists and political opponents.
Why Keep Your Recovery Keys Private?
Storing your device’s recovery keys in the cloud, even Microsoft’s, introduces several potential risks:
- Government Access: As the recent FBI case illustrates, legal requests can compel Microsoft to provide your recovery key.
- Data Breaches: While Microsoft invests heavily in security, no system is entirely immune to data breaches. A successful breach could expose your recovery key.
- Privacy Concerns: Even without a legal request, the knowledge that your recovery key is stored with a third party can be unsettling for privacy-conscious users.
Taking control of your recovery keys empowers you to maintain greater control over your data and protect it from unauthorized access.
Prerequisites: Windows 11 Pro is Essential
To fully control BitLocker and back up your own recovery key, you’ll need Windows 11 Pro. The Home version of Windows only supports disk encryption when logged in with a Microsoft account and automatically stores the encryption key on Microsoft’s servers.
You can check your Windows edition by going to Settings > System > Activation. This section also provides options for upgrading. Microsoft offers a direct upgrade through the Microsoft Store for $99. Alternatively, third-party key resellers, like this GearTech-affiliated listing, may offer Windows 11 Pro keys at a lower price (currently around $10), but exercise caution when purchasing from third-party sources.
Once you have a valid product key, navigate to Settings > System > Activation, click “Upgrade your edition of Windows,” then “Change product key,” and enter your Windows 11 Pro key. A system restart is required, but the process doesn’t necessitate a full Windows reinstallation, preserving your apps and data.
Encrypting (or Re-Encrypting) Your PC Disk
With Windows 11 Pro installed, you can now encrypt or re-encrypt your disk. If you’ve already signed in with a Microsoft account, your disk is likely encrypted with the key stored on Microsoft’s servers. In this case, you’ll need to fully decrypt and re-encrypt the drive, which can take one to two hours depending on your PC’s speed and drive size.
Checking Your Current Encryption Status
To determine your current encryption status:
- Open the Settings app.
- Click Privacy & security.
- Click Device encryption.
If you see a notification prompting you to sign in with a Microsoft account to “finish encrypting this device,” you haven’t saved your recovery key with Microsoft yet and can skip the decryption step.
Decrypting Your Disk (If Necessary)
If your device is already encrypted and your key is backed up to Microsoft, decrypting the disk is the first step. Toggle the Device encryption switch to Off. Confirm your decision and wait for the decryption process to complete – this can take a significant amount of time.
Initiating BitLocker Encryption and Saving Your Recovery Key
Once the disk is decrypted, click the BitLocker drive encryption button under the related subheading. This opens a legacy Control Panel window. Click Turn on BitLocker next to the C: drive (and any other internal disks you want to encrypt). Now you can save your recovery key to a location other than a Microsoft account.
You have two options:
- Print a physical copy: Write down your recovery key and store it in a secure location.
- Save to a file: Save the recovery key as a text file to an external drive or network location. Windows won’t allow you to save it to the drive you’re encrypting.
Saving your recovery key to a non-Microsoft destination is the primary goal of this process.
Choosing Encryption Settings
After saving your recovery key, you’ll be asked whether to encrypt the used disk space only or the entire disk. Full-disk encryption is generally recommended, as it accounts for previously deleted data that might be recoverable from unencrypted portions of the drive. Select the “new encryption mode” when prompted, and allow the system check to run.
Completing the Encryption Process
After a restart, the encryption process will begin. Progress can be monitored via an icon in the system tray. The duration depends on your PC’s age and the chosen settings. Once complete, your PC will function as before, but with your recovery key securely stored by you.
Maintaining Your Recovery Key
Successfully encrypting your disk and storing your recovery key independently is a significant step towards enhancing your data privacy. However, it also places the responsibility on you to safeguard your key. Remember where you stored it and avoid mixing it up with other recovery keys. While it adds a layer of complexity, the added privacy and peace of mind are well worth the effort for those concerned about unauthorized access to their data.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with a security professional for personalized recommendations.