Bitlocker keys: Which one to delete?


  1. Posts : 184
    Windows 11 Pro
       #1

    Bitlocker keys: Which one to delete?


    I noticed that on my Microsoft account I have three Bitlocker recovery keys. Two of them on the account show an upload date, but the third one shows "Invalid Date". This is the current one. Is there any reason to retain the two keys that are not current or may I delete them?
    Also, why does the current one not show an upload date?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,627
    Windows11 Home 64bit v:23H2 b:22631.3374
       #2

    You can always delete the old recovery keys retaining only the latest key. However in your case I do not know why the third key says "invalid date". I would take a screenshot of all three keys and save it to a safe location ( not your system drive) before deleting the two you consider the old keys.

    To check the current recovery key stored in your system.

    1. Press Windows Key + Q and type BitLocker. From search results, pick "Manage BitLocker" entry.
    2. In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, look for the drive whose recovery key you want to save.. Click on "Back up your recovery key."
    3. In the following window, you will have three options to back up your recovery key. You can save it to Microsoft account, to a text file or you can print it to get a hard copy. Choose to save it to a text file and save the text file to a most convenient location.

    Is it the same key that shows it as "ïnvalid date"in your Microsoft Account?

    If it is so you can delete the other two keys.


      My Computer


  3. Posts : 184
    Windows 11 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    jumanji said:
    Is it the same key that shows it as "ïnvalid date"in your Microsoft Account?
    If it is so you can delete the other two keys.
    Thank you for the information. The "invalid date" key in my Microsoft Account is actually the same key that apples to the relevant drive.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,627
    Windows11 Home 64bit v:23H2 b:22631.3374
       #4

    OK. I always keep a copy of my old keys just for record and delete those in my Microsoft account. Only the current recovery keys remain in my Microsoft account.
    A sample copy of old keys:

    Bitlocker keys: Which one to delete?-01-07-2020-12-37-11.jpg

    These are useless anyway now ( and hence I can put it on show here ) .
    Last edited by jumanji; 01 Jul 2020 at 02:50.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 184
    Windows 11 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I tried the following:

    1. Uploaded the recovery key to my Microsoft Account.
    There was no change.

    2. Deleted the recovery key from my Microsoft Account and uploaded it again.
    This time the recovery key does not show "Invalid Date", but shows the date of upload.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,627
    Windows11 Home 64bit v:23H2 b:22631.3374
       #6

    That is fine. I was only bothered about the upload date not showing earlier. Now that on deleting and reuploading, the current Recovery key again, it shows the upload date, you can confidently delete the old keys.
    Last edited by jumanji; 01 Jul 2020 at 05:24.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:00.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums