How to Unlock Bitlocker after auto software update?

Question

How to Unlock Bitlocker after auto software update?

Evan Patton 0

When I turned on my computer Microsoft pushed a software update. I am now getting an screen telling me I need to enter a bitlocker key. I never enabled bitlocker. I am unable to get a key.

The recovery key ID is [Mod Removed]

It is a HP Pavilion laptop

|HP Pavilion 16" Touchscreen Laptop - AMD Ryzen 7 8840U - WUXGA (1920 x 1200) - Windows 11
Item ‌1820736‌|HP Pavilion 16" Touchscreen Laptop - AMD Ryzen 7 8840U - WUXGA (1920 x 1200) - Windows 11|| | -------- | -------- | -------- | |HP Pavilion 16" Touchscreen Laptop - AMD Ryzen 7 8840U - WUXGA (1920 x 1200) - Windows 11HP Pavilion 16" Touchscreen Laptop - AMD Ryzen 7 8840U - WUXGA (1920 x 1200) - Windows 11 Item ‌1820736‌|

Marten Theunissen 676 Reputation points

2025-03-29T20:23:58.52+00:00

Hi There, this is a rough one,

is this a company laptop and is it azure joined?
Evan Patton 0 Reputation points

2025-03-29T23:39:28.7133333+00:00

This is a personal laptop I use to monitor a coffee roaster. I do not need software updates, nor even wifi connectivity. I had no idea the SW would update automatically, let alone lock me out!
Patton, Evan 0 Reputation points

2025-04-06T16:24:32.97+00:00

Holding F8 when I turn on the machine only fills the recovery key field with 8s. I was, however able to access the command prompt through alternate fields on the bitlocker recovery screens. But BECAUSE I DONT’T HAVE A BITLOCKER KEY I remain locked out of my 8 month old laptop because of a Microsoft forced update.

3 answers

Your answer

Marten Theunissen 676 Reputation points

2025-03-29T20:23:58.52+00:00

Hi There, this is a rough one,

is this a company laptop and is it azure joined?
Evan Patton 0 Reputation points

2025-03-29T23:39:28.7133333+00:00

This is a personal laptop I use to monitor a coffee roaster. I do not need software updates, nor even wifi connectivity. I had no idea the SW would update automatically, let alone lock me out!
Patton, Evan 0 Reputation points

2025-04-06T16:24:32.97+00:00

Holding F8 when I turn on the machine only fills the recovery key field with 8s. I was, however able to access the command prompt through alternate fields on the bitlocker recovery screens. But BECAUSE I DONT’T HAVE A BITLOCKER KEY I remain locked out of my 8 month old laptop because of a Microsoft forced update.

Answer 1

Marten Theunissen 676

Hi Evan,

Please do go ahead and run the through the steps below.

1. Retrieve Your BitLocker Recovery Key

Sign in to your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.

Locate your recovery key associated with your device.

2. Unlock BitLocker Using Command Prompt

Boot into Advanced Options:

Restart your computer and press F8 or Shift + F8 during startup.

Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Unlock the drive:

Type the following command and press Enter:

manage-bde -unlock C: -RecoveryPassword YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY

Replace YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY with your actual 48-digit recovery key.

3. Repair the Boot System

Run the following commands in Command Prompt:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Restart your computer and check if Windows boots normally.

4. Disable BitLocker Temporarily (if needed)

Open Command Prompt in Advanced Options.

Disable BitLocker:

manage-bde -off C:

Evan Patton 0 Reputation points

2025-03-29T23:34:28.55+00:00

I do not have a bitlocker key. I have the code, but I never set up bitlocker. Without a key, there is no way that I could find to use the code to get a key to unlock my laptop.

This is infuriating, especially since the SW upgrade was forced and locked up my laptop!
Marten Theunissen 676 Reputation points

2025-03-30T09:09:15.8866667+00:00

Where did you buy the laptop from? Was it new or recycled business pc.?

Please mark this answer if provided you clarity.
Evan Patton 0 Reputation points

2025-03-30T14:46:02.8166667+00:00

I purchased this laptop new from Costco last July. It has worked fine with the occasional issue with my PIN not being accepted, but that is easily recovered by powering down and restarting.

I turned on my laptop yesterday and got a message that SW was being updated. When I tried to continue I got the screen asking for my bitlocker key. It provided a code to use on Microsoft’s website to get my key, but the microsoft website said I did not have a key stored.
Marten Theunissen 676 Reputation points

2025-03-31T02:12:59.1266667+00:00

Here is some additional checks..

o check your BIOS/UEFI settings, follow these steps:

Access BIOS/UEFI During Startup:

Restart your computer.

During the boot process, press the key specific to your device (usually F2, F10, Delete, or Esc). This key varies by manufacturer1.

Access BIOS/UEFI from Windows Settings:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

Go to Update & Security.

Select Recovery.

Under Advanced startup, click Restart now1.

After restarting, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart1.

Check BIOS Mode in System Information:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Type msinfo32 and press Enter.

In the System Summary, look for the BIOS Mode entry. It will indicate whether your system is using UEFI or Legacy BIOS2.

You might want to disable secure boot and reboot and test, swap to legacy reboot and test.

Also, check these if they are in order.,

Copilot

When checking your BIOS/UEFI settings, here are some key areas to focus on:

Boot Order: Ensure the correct boot device is selected. This is crucial if you're troubleshooting boot issues or installing a new operating system1.

Secure Boot: Verify whether Secure Boot is enabled or disabled. Enabling Secure Boot can help protect against malware and unauthorized software1.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Check if TPM is enabled, especially if you're using BitLocker or other security features2.

Virtualization: Enable virtualization if you plan to use virtual machines. Look for settings like Intel VT-x or AMD-V1.

Memory Settings: Ensure your RAM is correctly recognized and configured. You might find options for XMP profiles to optimize memory performance1.

CPU Settings: Check CPU-related settings such as clock speed, cores, and hyper-threading. Adjust these settings based on your performance needs1.

Fan and Temperature Controls: Monitor and adjust fan speeds and temperature thresholds to ensure proper cooling1.

These settings can vary depending on your motherboard and BIOS/UEFI version. Always be cautious when making changes, as incorrect settings can affect system stability12.

These methods should help you access and check your BIOS/UEFI settings. If you need more detailed guidance or encounter any issues, feel free to ask!
Evan Patton 0 Reputation points

2025-03-31T03:48:58.26+00:00

Thanks. This looks promising. I will try it tomorrow.
Marten Theunissen 676 Reputation points

2025-04-06T04:29:29.7466667+00:00

Hi Evan.

if the Answer was helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it
Marten Theunissen 676 Reputation points

2025-04-07T00:04:01.5+00:00
Hi Evan,

You did test this link https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey

Did you manage to check secure boot in the bios? Alo is fast boot disabled?

We need to get to this below

Access Automatic Repair

Restart your computer: Turn off your computer and turn it back on. If it fails to boot twice, Windows should automatically enter the Automatic Repair mode2.

Follow the prompts: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair2.

Use Safe Mode

Enter Safe Mode: Restart your computer and hold the Shift key while clicking Restart. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Choose Safe Mode3.

Uninstall problematic updates or drivers: Once in Safe Mode, you can uninstall recent updates or drivers that might be causing the issue2.
Patton, Evan 0 Reputation points

2025-04-07T01:41:05.44+00:00

Thanks. I’m traveling internationally for a week. I did try the BIOS. It indicated that C drive is locked. I could not do anything without a password.

I’ll try your new suggestion when I get home.

Answer 2

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to unlock bitlocker.

Restart the computer, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. The machine will show advanced boot options.

Select Repair your computer/Troubleshoot, and then open the Command Prompt.

Try run below command to check Bitlocker status on your machine:

manage-bde -status

You can also check the status of a specific drive, such as C drive:

manage-bde -status C:

If there is Bitlocker enabled drive, use below command to disable bitlocker of that drive:

Replace <recovery password> with your 48-digit recovery key, replace C with your current problem drive letter:

manage-bde -unlock C: -recoverypassword <recovery password>

After unlock, disable bitlocker use this command, replace C with your current drive letter:

manage-bde -off C:

Have a nice day.

Best Regards,

Molly

============================================

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it

Patton, Evan 0 Reputation points

2025-04-06T16:40:30.0066667+00:00

I was able to get to the command prompt. My c drive is locked. I am unable to diable bitlocker without a key, which I never set up BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT BITLOCKER!

Grr this is beyond frustrating! I have a bricked 8 month old laptop as a result of a software update I didn’t ask for and didn’t want!

HP refused warranty service because it is a Microsoft issue.

How do I recover my laptop?!

Answer 3

Pooch 0

Hi, click on skip this drive as it helps sometimes.

Patton, Evan 0 Reputation points

2025-04-06T17:18:46.5666667+00:00

Thanks. Tried it. Did not work.
Pooch 0 Reputation points

2025-04-07T06:50:12.58+00:00

Sign in to your 365 account. Go to devices, it sometimes stores the keys there.

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How to Unlock Bitlocker after auto software update?

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