FBI Accessed Windows Laptops After Microsoft Shared BitLocker Recovery Keys

A Guam COVID-19 relief fraud investigation highlighted that Microsoft can provide BitLocker recovery keys to law enforcement under a valid warrant when users have backed up those keys to their Microsoft accounts, enabling immediate access to seized laptops; Microsoft confirms it fulfills roughly 20 such requests annually, unlike Apple’s refusal in a 2016 case, and experts recommend users review their accounts and move recovery keys offline (USB/print) if they want exclusive control.