Windows 10: Bitlocker key after updating bios

Hi I'm wondering if anyone can help this is my last resort, I've tried to find an email to contact Microsoft direct but it seems this is impossible ill try and be as descriptive as I can.I have a pre built pc originally running windows 10 home but recently done the free update to windows 11 home, I've also recently updated the bios on my ASUS motherboard to the latest version but I'm getting this screen every time i boot now I keep pressing N because I don't have a recovery key, I've looked on my system and there's no bit locker recovery keys linked, also when searching for anything about bit

:)

 

BitLocker Key

There may be a software that triggered the BitLocker in your Windows 10 PC. To assist you better, we suggest that you check these articles for further information:

• Find my BitLocker recovery key.
• BitLocker recovery keys: Frequently asked questions.

• BitLocker

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

Can't locate the bitlocker key

Hi Chris,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft community forums.

I understand that it can be difficult when your own computer is inaccessible due to some changes that could have happened. However, let's try a few troubleshooting steps and see if we can access the drive.

• Are you aware of any changes that happened on the computer prior to this issue?
  
• Did you setup a BitLocker on your device before?
  

If you’ve not setup the BitLocker and it’s still prompting for the key, you may try to locate the BitLocker key on your Microsoft account, which will help you access the drive. Refer

Find my BitLocker recovery key to know how to find the BitLocker recovery key.

If no recovery key is found, you may enable the secure boot setting from BIOS and check if you can access the drive. Follow the steps listed below to enable
secure boot.

• Power off the device and then power it on.
  
• Look for a message on the boot screen just before or after the manufacturer logo appears. You may need to press the
  ‘F1’,’F2’, or
  ‘Delete’ button, whatever key is indicated on the boot screen to enter BIOS Settings.
  
• Within BIOS, choose the tab ‘BOOT’.
  

Note:
Depending on the BIOS manufacturer this page could be
BOOT, ADVANCED, STARTUP etc.

• Look for a setting called
  ‘UEFI Secure Boot’ and toggle the Secure Boot setting to
  ‘Enabled’.
  

Note:
Each BIOS could have a different name for
UEFI Secure Boot.
These are the keywords to look for:
‘UEFI’, ‘Secure Boot’,‘Legacy Boot’.

• Restart the machine now to see if you can access the drive.
  

Note:

Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the
configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

If you still can’t access the drive, I suggest you to post your query in the

TechNet forums. Our support professionals, equipped with knowledge on BitLocker, will help you further.

Regards,

 

Automatic windows update with BIOS update triggered bitlocker

Hello Debra Delacroix,

thank you for posting on the Microsoft Community Forums.

An automatic BIOS update during a Windows update can potentially enable BitLocker or trigger a BitLocker recovery if certain conditions are met. This is especially likely if the update changes hardware configurations or settings that BitLocker monitors to ensure system integrity. Here are a few steps you can follow given your situation:

Step 1: Verify BitLocker Status.



1. Access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

- Power on your computer and as soon as the Windows logo appears, hold down the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this process 2-3 times until you see the "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen.

- After diagnosis, go to "Advanced options."



2. Use Command Prompt in WinRE；

- Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt."

- In Command Prompt, type the following command to check the BitLocker status:

This will show whether BitLocker is indeed enabled and on which drives.

Step 2: Look for the Recovery Key in Alternate Locations.

You need to follow the steps in Finding your BitLocker recovery key in Windows - Microsoft Support to find it out.

Important:

• If you are unable to locate the BitLocker recovery key and can't revert any configuration change that might have caused it to be required, you’ll need to reset your device using one of the Windows recovery options. Resetting your device will remove all of your files.
  
• Microsoft support is unable to provide, or recreate, a lost BitLocker recovery key.
  

Step 3: Change BIOS/UEFI Settings.

1. Disable TPM:

- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup).

- Navigate to the security settings and look for TPM (Trusted Platform Module).

- Disable TPM and save changes, then restart your computer.

Step 4: Other Options.

1. Safe Mode:

- Attempt to boot into Safe Mode by holding the Shift key and selecting Restart from the power menu. If you can access Safe Mode, there might be administrative tools to disable BitLocker.



2. Try Automated Recovery:

- In the WinRE, go to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair." Follow the prompts to see if Windows can fix the startup issue automatically.

Final Option: Clean Installation.

If no recovery key is found and you cannot disable BitLocker, performing a clean installation of Windows might be your last resort.

Regards,

Lei