The October Windows security updates inadvertently cause PCs to enter Bitlocker recovery mode after a reboot. A problem that occurs more often.
Microsoft recently rolled out several security updates for Windows. For every problem a Windows update solves, a new one can arise. Earlier this week, we wrote about the Task Manager app exhibiting strange behavior, but Bitlocker is also acting up.
Bitlocker is a security feature embedded in the Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions of Windows to secure the internal hard drive. Typically, Bitlocker remains unnoticed until you tamper with your device’s BIOS settings. Then, upon the next restart, you need to enter your Bitlocker key, a 48-character numeric combination.
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Bitlocker Unintentionally Summoned after recent Windows 11 Updates
Sometimes, however, a Windows update that doesn’t make such deep changes can still trigger a Bitlocker recovery screen. Microsoft acknowledges that this can happen again with recent Windows 11 updates since October 14. The bug mainly affects Intel devices that support Modern Standby: a mode that keeps the network connection active in battery-saving mode.
No Key: What Now?
Microsoft has informed business Windows users via notification in the admin dashboard that after installing an update, Bitlocker may be activated. Upon the next restart, you will need to enter your unique Bitlocker key. After that, everything will work as normal, and Bitlocker will not activate again on subsequent restarts.
If you’ve lost your Bitlocker key, the situation can become more complex, as your PC will refuse to start without the code. Just like you can’t get through your front door without your house key. Through the Microsoft account, you can find your key under the
Your organization’s IT administrator can usually help you obtain the code. If the code is still untraceable, the only way out is to perform a clean installation with a USB stick. This can lead to the loss of local account data and files. All the more reason to make backups.