Microsoft Confirms It Can Share Windows 11 BitLocker Keys With Law Enforcement
Arthur K
Jan 24, 2026
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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.
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This is “an upsetting disclosure”.
Computer noobs, and average Users will incorrectly assume that their “keys” are only theirs to control.
Like the bitcoin admonition, “not your keys; not your coins”, if anyone has your “encryption keys” they have your data.
The important part to be aware of is that the technology company who gives up your keys is under no obligation to inform you. Then may even be “silenced” by the court order.
The internet, a while ago, developed the “warrant canary”, which is displayed on their website. When served with a gag order, they take the canary down. You can be silenced but you can not be forced to display it. Your Users can infer from its absence that you have been served.
When the Gooferment exceeds its Constitutional role, our liberty is at risk. Hence I urge every one to display the “warrant canary” to demonstrate their commitment to the First Amendment and free speech.
“The Founders knew that a democracy would lead to some kind of tyranny. The term democracy appears in none of our Founding documents. Their vision for us was a Republic and limited government.” — Walter E. Williams
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