Bitlocker: is the USB startup key the same as the recovery key?

Anonymous
2021-12-16T07:41:51+00:00

Hi guys,

I want to encrypt my computer with bitlocker, using the USB startup key.

But when my computer gets stolen, the disk can be put inside another computer. Can the plain text visible startup key on the USB then unlock the drive? Or are these keys different?

Thanks!

Tonka.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-12-16T08:21:39+00:00

    Hello Tonka,
    I am Jaspreet Singh an independent advisor.
    Yes if someone copies the startup key he/she can use it to unlock bitlocked drive at startup

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  2. Craig Long 18,525 Reputation points
    2021-12-16T10:18:55+00:00

    According to this article you still need to keep your recovery code in a safe place. So if the startup key fails or is lost you will need to enter the recovery code. So they are not the same keys.

    https://www.howtogeek.com/262744/how-to-use-a-usb-key-to-unlock-a-bitlocker-encrypted-pc/

    If you lose the startup key or delete the .bek file from the drive, you’ll need to provide the BitLocker recovery code for your system drive. You should have saved somewhere safe when you enabled BitLocker for your system drive.

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