What Is BitLocker Recovery?
Before we start with the ways to back up BitLocker recovery key, we can learn some related definitions.
What is BitLocker recovery? BitLocker recovery is a process by which you can restore access to a drive that has been protected by BitLocker when the drive cannot be unlocked from the encryption.
Accordingly, there is another definition of BitLocker recovery – BitLocker recovery key. It is a unique 48-digit numerical password. The key is often required when BitLocker can’t confirm that the attempt to access the system drive has been authorized.
To keep your data safe and secure, the key being required is quite important. Once you lose the key, Microsoft won’t provide or recreate it for you, so it is necessary to back up BitLocker recovery key.
BitLocker recovery key is stored in a BEK (BitLocker Encryption Key) or TXT file. If you want to find your BitLocker recovery key, you can refer to this post: Where to Find My BitLocker Recovery Key on Windows 10.
How to back up BitLocker recovery key? The next part will expand on that.
How to Back up BitLocker Recovery Key?
Method 1: Use MiniTool ShadowMaker
You can use MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up BitLocker recovery key. MiniTool ShadowMaker is a free backup software dedicated to data backup, sharing and disk cloning. With this software, you can backup files, folders, systems, disks, and partitions.
If you want to perform automatic backups or backup schemes, MiniTool ShadowMaker can be your choice. Download and install the program and you can get this for a 30-day trial.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 1: Open the program to click Keep Trial and click the Backup tab.
Step 2: Go to SOURCE > Folders & Files and choose the file that stores your BitLocker recovery key to click OK.

Step 3: Go to DESTINATION and choose where you want to save your backup. When you settle down, click Back Up Now.
Method 2: Use Control Panel
To back up BitLocker recovery key, the second method is to use Control Panel. It is easy to go.
Step 1: Open Search by pressing Win + S and type BitLocker to open Manage BitLocker.
Step 2: Click the Back up your recovery key link and choose the location you want to save the backup.
There are four destinations you can choose from, including:
- Save to your Microsoft Account
- Save to a USB flash drive
- Save to a file
- Print the recovery key
When that has been completed, you can click Finish.
Method 3: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
The third way to back up BitLocker recovery key is by using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
1. Command Prompt
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in Search and run it as an administrator.
Step 2: When the window opens, type the following command and press Enter.
manage-bde -protectors -get <drive letter>: > %UserProfile%\Desktop\BitLockerRecoveryKey.txt
Note that you should replace <drive letter> with the drive letter of the drive you want to backup your recovery key for.

Then your BitLocker recovery key will be saved to the file on your desktop.
2. PowerShell
Step 1: Type PowerShell in Search and run it as an administrator.
Step 2: Input this command and press Enter to execute it.
(Get-BitLockerVolume -MountPoint <drive letter>).KeyProtector > $env:UserProfile\Desktop\BitLockerRecoveryKey.txt
Remember to replace <drive letter> with the drive letter of the drive you want to backup your recovery key for.

Bottom Line:
There are three ways to back up BitLocker recovery key – use Control Panel, Command Prompt, or MiniTool ShadowMaker. You can choose among them according to your situation.