Windows 10: Bitlocker often - but not always - asks for recovery key when I restart or unhibernate...

A few days ago, I installed BitLocker on my Microsoft Surface Pro IV with Windows 10 Pro, Version 1903, OS Build 18362.356.


Since then, sometimes, but not always, it asks for my Bitlocker Recovery Key. When I enter it, it then restarts. I don't remember if this happens when booting up after shutting down, or after waking up from hibernation, because it's after I used my laptop for a while, so I don't remember what I did before.


However, NONE of these times have I ASKED to restart. I have had some Security Intelligence Updates for Windows Defender installed since I installed BitLocker, but Windows Update shows my last check for Updates was before installing BitLocker


I don't remember the specifics of how I set up BitLocker, i.e. what options, because I didn't think I needed to keep track.


WHen I go to the BitLocker Control Panel, and click "TPM Administration", I get a message "Compatible TPM cannot be found".


What is going on??


1. How can I keep BitLocker from asking for the Recovery key? It is almost making it unusable. Needing to carry around a piece of paper with the key whenever I use my computer is one of the WORST security situations.


2. Why is it restarting my PC if I didn't ask it too?


3. Does lack of compatible TPM have something to do with it? If so, what do I do to correct it?

:)

 

Asking for Bitlocker recovery key on login


So I was playing with BIOS settings for reformatting my laptop and reinstalling Windows using bootable USB drive. I didn't succeed and I probably did something stupid. Now I'm not able to login into my laptop. It's asking me for bitlocker recovery key on both disabled and enabled settings of secure boot.

On "Enabled" setting, it says "Bitlocker needs your recovery key to unlock your drive because Secure Boot policy has unexpectedly changed."




On "Disabled" setting, it says "Bitlocker needs your recovery key to unlock your drive because Secure Boot has been disabled. Either Secure Boot must be re-enabled, or Bitlocker must be suspended for Windows to start normally."




I don't have a recovery key. I don't remember setting one. I even searched for it in my Microsoft account. My device (ASUS X205TA) is listed but the recovery key is not.

Note that I don't have any useful data in the laptop, so I'd be fine with reinstalling windows even if I loose all the data. I just want to be able to use my laptop again.

 

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.

 

bitlocker recovery key

Hi Singh,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

In order to get clarity on this issue and assist you with appropriate troubleshooting steps, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

1. Are you not able login to your computer due to BitLocker Recovery Key?
2. Did you ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key on your computer?
3. Are you not able to login to your Microsoft Account to find the BitLocker Recovery Key?
4. Are you using Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional?

Meanwhile, try finding BitLocker Recovery Key if you have ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key for your computer.

Please elaborate on the issue, so that we can understand the concern and get back to us to help you further.