"Microsoft has confirmed to Forbes that it will provide your BitLocker recovery key if it receives a valid legal order. For that to happen, though, that key must be backed up to the cloud and not just stored on one of your own local devices. This scenario has already played out in one specific case that may be the first of its kind for Microsoft, suggested Forbes."
"FBI agents in Guam were investigating a case in which certain individuals who had been in charge of the island's COVID unemployment assistance program were actually looking to steal the funds. To prove their case, the feds needed access to the BitLocker-encrypted files on the suspects' computers. Microsoft felt the request was justified and turned over the necessary keys to the agents."
"Microsoft encourages Windows users to back up their BitLocker recovery keys to the cloud. Otherwise, you may be unable to retrieve the key to unlock Windows in the event of a hardware change, bootup problem, or suspicious access. Under any such circumstances, you can simply sign in to your Microsoft account page to find the key associated with your PC. But therein lies the risk."
BitLocker encrypts the entire Windows hard drive and requires a recovery key to decrypt data. Backing up the BitLocker recovery key to a Microsoft account enables recovery after hardware changes, boot problems, or suspected unauthorized access. Microsoft will provide cloud-backed recovery keys to law enforcement when presented with a valid legal order. FBI agents investigating alleged theft of COVID unemployment funds in Guam obtained BitLocker keys from Microsoft to access suspects' encrypted files. Microsoft recommends cloud backup to simplify key retrieval, but cloud storage creates the risk that keys can be surrendered under legal compulsion. Users can alternatively store keys locally or print them for greater control.
Read at ZDNET
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