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Stuck in an automatic repair - bitlocker loop.

Anonymous
2024-03-23T08:12:44+00:00

I've recently bought a Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop with Windows 11 and setup went smoothly. Had no issue for the first and second day, until an update.

When I was about to turn off the computer, i recieved the option to update, and I chose the one labeled "Update and turn off". Went to sleep and came back in the morning to turn the computer back on. Black screen, Lenovo logo in the middle and a text on the bottom saying "preparing automatic repair". A few seconds later I was met with the bitlocker recovery screen (half the skip button being cut off on the right side of the screen probably because the computer's set up in swedish, but I digress). This was strange, but I retrieve and enter the 48-digit code and it proceeds to a to the previous black screen again and the text "diagnosing problem". I'm eventually met with the blue "Automatic repair" screen, saying "The computer did not start correctly", prompting me to either restart or go to advanced settings.

Now, from here on out I've tried everything but booting from an external drive (I was hoping I wouldn't need to, since I have no idea how to do that). I've tried the "reset computer" option, resetting it to factory settings, but it failed (both options). I've tried enabling and disabling secure boot in the UEFI-settings, I've tried uninstalling the latest update and the plain old restart. Even sfc and chkdsk won't work. Every time I'm met with an either an error or the blue bitlocker screen. I'm at a loss here, guys. Literally any help would be appreciated!

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Recovery and backup***

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Recovery key

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-29T16:49:34+00:00

    I experienced a similar issue while building a Windows 11 image for workstation deployment. I'm not sure if this will help others, but figured I would post it.

    If you are currently stuck in a repair loop:

    1. When prompted, select Advanced Options > Command Prompt
    2. Type and run DISKPART
    3. Type and run LIST VOL
      1. Identify your primary volume, then take note of the volume number and drive letter
    4. If there isn't a drive letter assigned to your primary partition:
      1. Type and run SELECT VOL 0
        1. Replace 0 with your appropriate vol number
      2. Type and run ASSIGN LETTER=G:
        1. You can use any available drive letter, just make sure to update the below commands accordingly
      3. Type and run LIST VOL again to verify the volume now has the drive letter assigned
      4. Type and run EXIT
    5. Type and run MANAGE-BDE -UNLOCK G: -RECOVERYPASSWORD "Enter your 48-digit recovery password including dashes here"
    6. Type and run MANAGE-BDE -OFF G:
    7. Type and run MANAGE-BDE -STATUS G: to monitor the decryption process
    8. Once decrypted, restart the computer by closing the Command Prompt window

    Once out of the repair loop cycle with Bitlocker disabled:

    1. Boot into your BIOS and ensure SECURE BOOT is enabled
    2. Save and close the BIOS
    3. Login to your Windows user account
    4. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator
    5. CAUTION! Run the below commands at your own risk. They should be accurate for a system with a standard Windows installation and a single disk drive for storage.
    6. Type and run bcdedit -set {current} osdevice partition=C:
    7. Type and run bcdedit -set {current} device partition=C:
    8. Type and run bcdedit -set {memdiag} device partition=\Device\HarddiskVolume1
    9. Bitlocker should now enable and restart without recovery looping

    Good luck!

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-15T04:32:01+00:00

    I literally just opened my box. My brand new Lenovo yoga seven and I’m pissed this is not fair. This blue screen bit locker recovery **** all I did was update it and now I’m stuck. What the f?($$!

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2024-09-26T04:22:21+00:00

    I a currently having this same issue. I am a student with multiple papers in progress on my lap top. I need to get in without losing everything. I've tried everything, even commands to unlock c. I just went into the advanced options, select system restore and now it's just showing a black screen with ASUS on it, and a loading circle turning. The circle turns a bit then the screen goes black, and then it does it again. Is this part of the system restore? I'm panicking here!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-08-28T23:04:25+00:00

    I'm still wondering why windows 11 was ever released in the first place. No serious person could possibly think this an os

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-03-25T03:26:30+00:00

    Hello,

    Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

    1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select "Safe Mode" and press Enter. Once you're in Safe Mode, try disabling BitLocker and see if that resolves the issue.
    2. Use System Restore: Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu and select "System Restore". Choose a restore point from before the issue occurred and follow the prompts to restore your system.
    3. If the problem still doesn't been solved, you may need to reinstall the system.

    Best Regards,

    Hania Lian

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