By Zack Whittaker
Publication Date: 2026-04-08 15:21:00
The developer of the popular file encryption software VeraCrypt says Microsoft has blocked access to the account he used for sending updates to Windows users, and warned that anyone who encrypts their PCs with his software may soon face issues accessing their computers.
VeraCrypt developer Mounir Idrassi said in an online post on March 30 that Microsoft “terminated the account I have used for years to sign Windows drivers and the bootloader,” and said he received no explanation or ability to appeal the decision.
The Japan-based Idrassi said he attempted to contact Microsoft, but was unable to reach a human. Because Microsoft requires developer accounts like his to re-verify the security of their software, Idrassi said that many devices running VeraCrypt will soon be unable to boot if the issue is not resolved.
A spokesperson for Microsoft did not immediately comment when reached by TechCrunch.
VeraCrypt is a widely used, open-source encryption software that allows…