What is BitLocker and BitLocker Recovery Key
Let’s define BitLocker: BitLocker is an advanced security feature and this can increase the security over data and drives. This BitLocker key encryption comes with Microsoft Windows OS. BitLocker encryption binds the entire drive’s data and also can bind or encode the partial space of a disk drive’s volume to protect it from any unauthorized access to the drive’s data. BitLocker recovery key and BitLocker password play a main role in encryption.
This BitLocker type of encryption is invented specially to provide an extra strong layer of security to ensure that stored data in drive is secured and cannot be breached by anyone. BitLocker encryption can be put on any external data storage device, like SD Card, SSD, HDD, Pen drive, Flash drive, thumb drive, NAS and RAID data storage devices.
Define BitLocker Recovery Key: BitLocker recovery key is only required when users require to access the locked drive and it is an unique 48-digit key with special encoding combination of strong harsh PIN, more powerful than any other encryption. This BitLocker recovery key can be found on the stored location. The BitLocker key is generated when we enable BitLocker encryption on a data storage drive.
A BitLocker key can be stored on a safe location like cloud storage, pen drive and email, and would serve as a secure backup method to unlock encrypted drives in case users are required to get access or to unlock the drive. There are 3 patterns of unlocking the encrypted drive that can be used and one of them is BitLocker recovery key, second is password and third one is PIN. Additionally, smart can be used to store as backup of BitLocker recovery key to avoid forgetting the BitLocker key for recovery.
Tips: Users can also take help using BLR BitLocker key recovery tool to unlock their storage devices. Because it works as a BitLocker UnLocker programme after finding the backup key, which might be stored on a PC or laptop or on any external drives.
What is BitLocker Password
When users set up BitLocker encryption on their data storage device, then it is required to set a password that will be used to decrypt the BitLocker encrypted storage device. Users can use 8 to 20 combinations of combination to set up a BitLocker password. BitLocker passwords are stored securely by the operating system. This password should be remembered and can always used when the user wants to access their encrypted data storage device. Through this password users can easily unlock their drives that are encrypted.
How to Store Safely BitLocker Recovery Key
Microsoft Account: Save the recovery key to your Microsoft account. This allows you to access it online from any device, ensuring you can retrieve it if you ever need it.
USB Flash Drive: Store BitLocker recovery key on a USB flash drive. Keep the drive in a secure location, separate from the computer, to prevent unauthorized access.
Print a Copy: Print BitLocker recovery key and store the printout in a safe place, such as a locked drawer, safe, or other secure location.
External Storage: Save BitLocker recovery key on an external hard drive or another secure digital storage device. This BitLocker recovery key is saved in .txt files.
Cloud Storage: Store BitLocker recovery key in a secure cloud storage service, or Microsoft account ensuring the service has strong encryption and access controls.
How to Use BitLocker Recovery Key and BitLocker Password
Firstly, we always use a BitLocker password to unlock our encrypted data storage devices. In case, users lost their BitLocker password, they can also use BitLocker recovery key to unlock their drives. After decrypting the encrypted data storage devices, users are able to change their BitLocker password. Users can use a Backup key to unlock their locked drives. Using the password to unlock their drive is the best and easiest method.
BitLocker Recovery Key vs. BitLocker Password
| BitLocker Recovery Key | BitLocker Password |
| Emergency Access | Daily Access |
| System Prompt | User-Defined |
| Non Customizable | Customizable |
Purpose of Backup Key and PIN: BitLocker password is for regular access, while the BitLocker backup key is for emergency or fallback access.
Setup of BitLocker Recovery Key and BitLocker Password: BitLocker PIN is set up by the user, whereas the Backup key is automatically generated for example- losing PIN.
Frequency of Use Backup Key and Password: BitLocker password is used daily, while the BitLocker recovery key is used only when necessary.
Format of BitLocker Recovery Key and Password: BitLocker password is user-friendly and customizable, while the BitLocker recovery key is a long 48-digit numeric code.
FAQ
Q1 : Is it true BitLocker passwords are case-sensitive?
Yes, the BitLocker password is case-sensitive.
Q2: Is the BitLocker recovery key case-sensitive?
No, BitLocker recovery key is not case-sensitive.
Q3: Can I change my BitLocker password?
Yes, users can change BitLocker password after decrypting the encryption.
Q4: Can users have both a BitLocker password and BitLocker recovery key?
Yes, users have both password for regular use and BitLocker Backup key for emergency access.
Q5: Can I set up BitLocker auto-unlock?
Yes, users can easily set up BitLocker auto-unlock
Steps:
- Unlock encrypted drive
- Right-click and select manage BitLocker
- Now users can enable auto unlock by entering the enable button.
See below mentioned in image1 and image2
Manage BitLocker (Image 1)
Turn on Auto-Unlock (Image 2)
Also read: Recover a forgotten BitLocker PIN
