Win 11 BitLocker suddenly requiring recovery key at every startup

Question

How can I stop Win 11 BitLocker suddenly requiring recovery key at every startup? I know my key, but it is a real pain to re-type.

Answer 1

If your Windows 11 system is asking for the BitLocker recovery key at every startup, it's a sign that something is triggering BitLocker to think your system is at risk so let check it manually one by one by these steps bellow :

• Check for TPM Issues

BitLocker uses the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to securely store keys. If TPM is disabled or malfunctioning, BitLocker will ask for the recovery key.

• Press Windows + R → type tpm.msc → press Enter.
• Check the Status:
  • It should say “The TPM is ready for use.”
  • If not, restart your PC, enter the BIOS/UEFI, and enable TPM (might be called fTPM, PTT, or similar).

- Check Secure Boot Setting

BitLocker relies on Secure Boot to verify boot integrity.

• Reboot your PC → Enter BIOS/UEFI.
• Make sure Secure Boot is enabled.
• If you recently changed boot mode from UEFI to Legacy/CSM, change it back to UEFI.

- Suspend and Resume BitLocker

Sometimes reinitializing BitLocker can fix persistent prompts.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator
• Run the command one by one:

manage-bde -protectors -disable C:
shutdown /r /t 0

• After reboot:

manage-bde -protectors -enable C:

-> This clears transient errors and rebinds BitLocker to TPM correctly.

- Check for Boot Order or Device Changes

BitLocker prompts if:

• You plug/unplug external drives,
• You change boot order,
• You dual boot,
• You change hardware (SSD, RAM, etc.)

*Make sure the internal system drive is first in the boot order in BIOS.

- Update BIOS and Drivers

Outdated firmware can mess with TPM and BitLocker.

• Visit your PC manufacturer’s website.
• Download and install the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware and TPM firmware, if available.

- Check Group Policy Settings

Ensure BitLocker is configured correctly.

• Press Windows + R → gpedit.msc
• Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → BitLocker Drive Encryption → Operating System Drives
• Double-click Require additional authentication at startup
• Set to Enabled, and check:
  • At the box "Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM (requires a password or USB key at startup)" is NOT checked if you have TPM

- Turn off BitLocker and turn it back on should be the easiest way, but to make sure there is no errors, I have to let this step at the end

*This takes time because it have to decrypt and re-encrypt, may leave data unprotected temporarily.

• Go to Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Click Turn off BitLocker
• Let it fully decrypt
• Then click Turn on BitLocker again and reconfigure