Error when trying to save Bitlocker recovery key to Microsoft account

Error When Trying to Save BitLocker Recovery Key to Microsoft Account

BitLocker is an encryption feature in Windows that helps protect data stored on a computer or external storage device by encrypting it with a secure key. As part of the encryption process, it is important to store a recovery key so that the data can be recovered if the computer is lost or stolen. Microsoft account users can store the key online for easy access. However, some users have encountered an error when trying to save the BitLocker recovery key to a Microsoft account.

The error message occurs if the user has two-factor authentication enabled on their Microsoft account. Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires an additional form of verification when signing in to an account. It is a good security measure, but it can prevent the BitLocker recovery key from being saved.

The error message typically states “We can’t save the recovery key to your Microsoft account because two-factor authentication is enabled.” The message is accompanied by a link that takes the user to a page with instructions on how to disable two-factor authentication.

The problem can be solved by disabling two-factor authentication on the Microsoft account. To do this, the user must first sign in to their Microsoft account. Then, they should select “More security options” under “Security & Privacy” in the left-hand menu. On the “Security & Privacy” page, they should select “More security settings” and then select “Turn off two-factor authentication”.

Once two-factor authentication is disabled, the user should be able to save the BitLocker recovery key to their Microsoft account. To do this, they should open the “BitLocker” control panel, select “Backup your recovery key”, and then select “Save to your Microsoft account”. They will then be asked to sign in to their Microsoft account, and the key should be saved.

It is important to note that two-factor authentication can be re-enabled after the BitLocker recovery key has been saved. However, it is recommended that users keep two-factor authentication disabled on their Microsoft account while the key is stored. This will help ensure that the key is kept safe and secure and that it can be retrieved if needed.

In summary, the error message “We can’t save the recovery key to your Microsoft account because two-factor authentication is enabled” can occur when trying to save the BitLocker recovery key to a Microsoft account. The problem can be solved by disabling two-factor authentication on the Microsoft account, after which the key should be able to be saved. It is also recommended that two-factor authentication is kept disabled on the account while the key is stored.