Windows 10: Win11 update triggers BitLocker and disables wireless peripherals

The title summarizes the problem, but here are a few more details. Win11 home running on 8 month old HP AIO with aftermarket Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse.Flawless until yesterday 22 Feb 2025. I received a notice that a Win11 update was available and opted to install it overnight. I stepped away from my computer for about three hours during mid-day and I suspect the update was applied during this period even though I had opted for nighttime. When I returned to my computer, the screen looked as it did when I left, with browser tabs open, etc., but my wireless peripherals keyboard and

:)

 

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

 

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.

 

How to disable Bitlocker?

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

To disable BitLocker I would suggest you try the following steps and see if it helps.

1. Press Windows key + X and click on
Control Panel.

2. Change View by from Category
to Large Icons/Small Icons.

3. Click on BitLocker Drive Encryption and click on
Turn BitLocker Off.

4. Follow on screen instructions. Click on
Decrypt the Drive when the message appears.

I would suggest you click on the link below and refer the following article.

Scenario 12: Turning Off BitLocker Drive Encryption (Windows 7)

Scenario 12: Turning Off BitLocker Drive Encryption (Windows 7)

(You can refer the steps in the above link as they are applicable for Windows 10 as well)

Hope this helps. Please respond if you have further related queries.

Regards,