Windows 10: Windows update triggered bitlocker and killed my laptop

I have a Windows 11 PC. I was running a local account, and I added my Outlook account to it. Then I got a Windows update, and the next time I started my PC, I found that something unknown to me had been activated, the bitlocker, and it asks me for a key that I do not have. I didn't even know what bitlocker is. I have logged into the authenticator, and into my Microsoft account, but there is no bitlocker key. And I have found that all the information I see on the internet tells me that there is no solution, that I can only format the PC.Is there really nothing I can do? I have my authenticator

:)

 

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

Hi,

Some background

• I have a Lenovo / Windows 10 laptop. It was purchased 2 years ago and I have never encountered or installed BitLocker on it.
• I am at university and access my university account through the laptop - OneDrive, Office 365, Outlook etc.

The problem

• On starting my laptop, I am asked for the BitLocker recovery key.
  • To retrieve the key it provides a link which directs me to my university account (microsoft account), however I have no privileges (+ don't have the encryption key).
  • I am also given a key ID & the Drive Label for my laptop.
• I phoned my Uni IT support, who were not very helpful and said as it was a personal laptop they could not be of any assistance.
• I would rather not reinstall Windows as I have my Uni notes on the laptop.

Questions

• Which of the below is possible.
  • Bitlocker was preinstalled on my computer and somehow got triggered
  • Bitlocker was triggered due to my interactions with the universities applications, given that the link is to my university account.
    • Or could either of these be possible.

Summary

• Basically I would like to know if it is possible to confirm that it is the use of the universities applications that has resulted in the triggering of BitLocker and not something else?

 

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.