Windows 11 keeps asking me to allow Crypto API Private Key

It is a Windows bug for not showing which application is requesting access.

Try running Netflix from Edge or Firefox to compare if the same thing happens.

It looks like a Security Certificate error arising from a website you visit. See if you can narrow it down to the actual website generating it so you can compare if it happens in any other browser.

Recently found the srticle by CyberNews, researchers found that cybercriminals are able to abuse cryptocurrency exchange API keys and steal cryptocurrencies from their victims’ accounts without being granted withdrawal rights. At the same time, more than $1,000,000 in cryptocurrency is being held in accounts that have their API keys exposed on public code repositories. Why this happen? I guess ordinary user doesn`t not read terms and conditions, and loose information that:

Data permissions allow APIs to read your exchange account data, including open orders, balances, and trade history, without making any changes to your account.

Trade permissions allow APIs to execute trades, place open orders, and close orders on your behalf.

A withdrawal permission allows APIs to withdraw cryptocurrencies from your exchange account and transfer them to another location. With this permission enabled, an app would be able to move your funds to another wallet without your say-so.

Whitelist your IP address. Major cryptocurrency exchanges allow whitelisting IP addresses for API key usage. Enabling this feature will stop most criminals from trading away your balance, as long as they don’t have access to your trading bot control panel, BTW not all bots allow it check reviews at site.

Treat your API keys as the private key of your cryptocurrency wallet. Namely, don’t store them on your hard drive and do not disclose them to anyone. If your API keys get into someone else’s hands - your money is as good as stolen.

Thankyou for the detailed post, i tried everything suggested to no avail

I noticed a few things

It mostly happens when in Chrome doing work as i work from home and when watching netflix on the netflix app, these are the two main times it shows up.

i also found many posts about this issue with others seeing this popup, the problem is, theirs no explanation about what program is actually trying to gain access or why

And none of these posts really came to a conclusion

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/azure/en-US/abd7cdf2-7867-4e5a-a027-9f9c05d88afe/outlook-2016-windows-10-quotdo-you-want-to-allow-the-app-to-access-your-private-keyquot-popup?forum=Office2016ITPro

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/azure/en-US/21371c46-1bc4-41df-bf1e-7a7519b61219/cryptoapi-private-key-pop-up?forum=win10itprosecurity

https://www.****/threads/windows-11-keeps-asking-me-to-allow-crypto-api-private-key.628957/ https://stackoverflow.com/questions/34812897/how-to-suppress-an-application-is-requesting-access-to-a-protected-item-popup

Hi Nat. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

This is what I find on the error, explaining what it is and how to suppress it:

https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/lync/e...

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-...

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/34812897/ho...

Just to be sure I would download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version.

In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...

Remove whatever it finds.

Check for anything found but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems.

Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm

to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

Then check for damaged System files by running System File Checker and DISM from Step 10 in this checklist:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

If completing all of Step 10 in above Checklist doesn't fix it then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo..., open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel. I recommend it as the #1 tool for your toolbox. For best WIndows performance, use built-in Defender which gives adequate real-time protection.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.