Resolve a Forgotten Private Encryption Key

You may choose to add a private encryption key (PEK) to help secure your data stored in Backblaze Computer Backup. If you do this, you must remember your key. There is no way for Backblaze or anybody else to recover your key. Without the key, your data is unreadable.

If your PEK is forgotten, you must delete the unreadable backup to free the license for use with a new backup. You cannot access or restore a backup that has a forgotten PEK.

For information about adding, changing, or disabling a PEK, see Configure Security Settings (Mac) or Configure Security Settings (Windows).

Remove a Backup that has a Forgotten PEK

1. Follow the instructions to delete your backup.
   This action frees up your license so that you can apply it to a new backup.
2. Follow the instructions to uninstall the Backblaze client.
3. Follow the instructions to reinstall the Backblaze client.
   A trial installation is created, and your backup automatically begins.
4. Follow these instructions to reassign a license.
   The trial installation automatically changes to a paid subscription. If these actions do not occur, restart your computer.