blue screen bitlocker

Question

We have a computer with a BitLocker password encryption at startup. When the system is prompted for the password, the screen appears completely blue (screenshot attached). Despite not seeing the text on the screen or the password field, if you enter the password "blindly," it logs in.

We've tried decrypting and re-encrypting, running updates, and running system file repair commands (sfc and dism), but they don't solve the problem. The computer is a Windows 10 Pro.

Any solution?

Answer 1

Hello,

1. What’s likely going on:

 • BitLocker’s pre‐boot (startup) authentication phase runs before Windows loads its full drivers. At this stage the system uses very basic display routines.

 • On some systems (often on specific hardware or after certain firmware updates) the minimal BitLocker pre‐boot UI doesn’t “talk” properly with the graphics firmware. In effect, you’re getting a plain “blue” background with no visible text or input field.

 • Because the system still accepts your password “blindly,” the encryption layer isn’t compromised—it’s a display artifact only in the pre‐boot environment.

2. What you might try:

 A. Update System Firmware/BIOS:

  – Check with your computer or motherboard vendor for the latest UEFI/BIOS updates. Often, vendors address quirks in hardware–firmware interactions that can affect pre‐boot environments.

 B. Check UEFI Settings:

  – Look for options such as “Fast Boot” or “Quiet Boot.” Disabling them may force the system to use a more “basic” mode that shows the BitLocker prompt correctly.

  – If a legacy boot mode or compatibility mode is available (and acceptable in your security setup), testing that option may help.

 C. Video Hardware Considerations:

  – If you’re using a discrete video card (or a docking station/external monitor) at boot, try connecting the display directly to the onboard graphics. At the pre‐boot stage, only basic display drivers are available.

  – Ensure any firmware update for your GPU (if applicable) is also applied.

 D. BitLocker Reconfiguration:

  – Although you’ve already decrypted and re-encrypted, double-check group policy settings related to pre‐boot authentication. In some environments there are settings that can influence how BitLocker shows its UI.

  – Sometimes toggling the BitLocker pre‐boot prompt settings may cause the system to “reset” its behavior.

In conclusion, while this “blue screen” issue does not seem to affect security or functionality beyond the lack of visible text in the BitLocker prompt, updating your firmware (and possibly adjusting boot settings) is the best course of action.

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