Generated security key seems to not work when trying to decrypt my chats after logging back in

[AugustusDraconus]

Steps to reproduce

I am a new user of both Matrix and Element.

I don't know if it is relevant but I am using a third party VPN at the same time.

I created my account, logged in, and joined some spaces.

I then joined some rooms, and I chatted with some people. While logged in I generated my Security Key, saved the text file in a secure location AND copy/pasted the Security Key in another, different, secure location.

Later I logged out, and then sometime after that I logged back in. Element requested my Security Key to decrypt my chats.

I tried copy/pasting the key first. I noted the "Looks Good" message and Green Check Mark, and then I clicked "Continue".

It did not continue and seemed to simply fail to execute any sort of process or change.

Next I uploaded the text file, and the exact same result occurred.

At this point I refused to "Reset" everything, and chose to cancel the restore process, but Element let me into my account anyway. However, the old chats are all still encrypted and unavailable.

I was, and still am, at a loss as far as what to do so I made a Passphrase as well even though it seems like you don't absolutely need both the Passphrase AND the Security Key, but I am still not clear on why I cannot access my old chats. I have not yet tried to use the Passphrase as it seems that the Element program has not yet requested it, and I am not really sure where it would be necessary.

I performed some web searches and found other people who are, or have been, confused by the various privacy and security settings including their wording and naming, but I still have not found a solution to my problem.

Clearly stated, my problem is that I cannot restore/decrypt my previous chats after logging in to Element on desktop and providing my security key.

Outcome

What did you expect?

I expected that once I logged into my account with my credentials (email and password), and provided the Security Key I had previously generated, that I would be able to access everything seamlessly and unrestricted.

What happened instead?

I logged in with my credentials, but then the Security Key was not accepted even though it was correct, and Element even indicated that it was correct with "Looks Good" in green.

Operating system

Windows 11

Application version

1.11.58

How did you install the app?

https://element.io/download

Homeserver

matrix.org (I do not see "Homeserver Implementation" nor a version for any homeserver anywhere as far as I can tell.

Will you send logs?

No

[t3chguy]

Without logs there's not anything to investigate here

[AugustusDraconus]

Without logs there's not anything to investigate here

Good to know. I will follow up in that case when/if I make a decision to send logs. In any case thank you for your response.

[t3chguy]

You can also download logs or inspect the console via Ctrl+Shift+I to see the error for yourself if it recurs