this post was submitted on 23 Jan 2026
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Grey area, user chose to store the private bitlocker key to their online Microsoft acct, it's optional. It's still a dirtbag move, but probably less illegal.
While optional, it is also the default behavior.
it's default in that it's the top item on the list, but I can't actually fault them much here, that dialog is crystal clear and you have to log into a Microsoft account to save it there. They don't really push you very hard to put the key into their cloud.
I fault them more for not using zero-knowledge encryption to protect the user's key.
the other options won't let you continue without performing the actions in a way that windows likes. So for someone trying to set up their PC, only the first option has zero cost.
option two requires an external drive without encryption
option 3 requires setting up a printer from that screen, so you can print the page. it won't let you continue otherwise.
if you want to back up in some other way, you just don't (or use PDF conversion from the print dialog)
They want the key, verifiably off the box, in clear text. Any usb stick. any sd card. Not great, but not any barrier that's worse than needing to setup a microsoft account.